投げ出す

なげだす

to abandon, to throw out

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 投げ出す (なげだす) primarily means "to abandon" or "to throw out." It is often used when someone gives up on a task, responsibility, or effort, especially in a sudden or decisive manner. It can also describe physically throwing something out or figuratively expressing emotions strongly.

Common Contexts

  1. Giving up on work or tasks: Used when someone stops trying or abandons their duties.
  2. Emotional expression: Sometimes used to describe releasing emotions, like crying or shouting, as if "throwing out" feelings.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 仕事を投げ出す: to give up on work
  • 問題を投げ出す: to abandon a problem
  • 涙を投げ出す: to burst into tears

These collocations highlight the flexibility of 投げ出す in both literal and figurative senses.

Register and Nuance

投げ出す is informal to neutral in tone and often conveys a sense of frustration or desperation. It can imply a negative judgment about giving up too easily, so use it carefully depending on context.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 投げ出す with simple "to throw" verbs like 投げる. Remember that 投げ出す often carries the nuance of abandoning or giving up, not just physically throwing something.

Example Sentences

かれはとちゅうでしごとをなげだしてしまった。

He gave up on the work halfway through.

もんだいがむずかしくて、すぐになげだすのはよくない。

It's not good to give up quickly just because the problem is difficult.

かのじょはかんじょうをおさえきれずに、なみだをなげだした。

She couldn't hold back her emotions and burst into tears.