lanzar
verbCEFR B2
What does “lanzar” mean in English?
to launch, to start
to launch, to start (lanzar una campaña/producto — formally introduce something new or begin an initiative)
Example sentences
La empresa lanzó una campaña publicitaria de gran envergadura para presentar su nuevo servicio de streaming.
The company launched a large-scale advertising campaign to present its new streaming service.
El ministro lanzó una propuesta de reforma del sistema educativo que generó un intenso debate parlamentario.
The minister put forward a proposal to reform the education system that sparked an intense parliamentary debate.
Tras años trabajando para otros, decidió lanzarse a montar su propio negocio con todos los riesgos que eso conlleva.
After years working for others, he decided to take the plunge and set up his own business with all the risks that entails.
How to use it
Lanzar means 'to launch', 'to throw', or 'to release'. At B2, the commercial/strategic sense dominates: lanzar un producto/campaña/proyecto (launch a product/campaign/project). It also means physically throw (lanzar una pelota — throw a ball) and figuratively to put forward: lanzar una propuesta (put forward a proposal), lanzar una acusación (level an accusation). The reflexive lanzarse a means 'to launch oneself into/go for it': 'se lanzó a crear su propia empresa'.
Common mistake
Lanzar (launch/throw — put into motion with force or with intent) vs. iniciar (initiate — formally begin a process). 'Lanzaron una campaña' (they launched a campaign — implies energy, momentum, and public impact); 'iniciaron un proceso' (they initiated a process — implies formal/procedural start). Lanzar has more dynamism and commercial/marketing register.