投げる

なげる

to pitch, to cast away

JLPT N4

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 投げる (なげる) primarily means "to throw" or "to pitch." It is used when physically throwing objects like balls, cups, or other items. It can also be used in sports contexts, especially baseball, where a pitcher throws the ball.

Common Collocations

  • ボールを投げる: to throw a ball
  • カップを投げる: to throw a cup (often showing anger or frustration)
  • ピッチャーがボールを投げる: the pitcher throws the ball (baseball context)

Register and Nuance

投げる is a common, neutral verb used in everyday conversation. It is neither formal nor informal but is very versatile. When used with objects like cups or plates, it often implies anger or frustration.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 投げる with 持つ (to hold) or 投げ出す (to give up). Remember 投げる focuses on the action of throwing something physically. Also, it is not used for abstract throwing like "throwing a party."

Example Sentences

かれはボールをとおくになげた。

He threw the ball far away.

しあいでぴっちゃーがぼーるをなげる。

The pitcher throws the ball in the game.

かのじょはおこってかっぷをなげた。

She got angry and threw the cup.