Common Mexican Expressions with the Verb Echar

Learn how to speak like a local using this versatile Spanish verb

Are you learning Spanish and want to sound more natural when speaking with Mexican Spanish speakers? Then you’ll love how one single verb — echar — can be used in so many everyday expressions.

While echar usually means to put, to throw, or to add (especially in recipes), it also forms part of many idiomatic expressions in Mexican Spanish.

Let’s explore some of the most common and useful phrases with echar, along with real-life examples and their English translations.

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1. Echar gasolina

(To put gas / fill up the tank)

In Mexico, instead of saying “cargar gasolina,” we commonly use echar gasolina.

Example:

 Le echamos gasolina al coche porque mañana viajaremos por carretera. 

→ We put gas in the car because we’re going on a road trip tomorrow.

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2. Echar chisme

(To gossip or catch up with juicy news)

This doesn’t always mean talking bad about someone. It’s often used to catch up on fun or personal news.

Example: 

Ayer por fin vi a mis amigas y echamos chismecito. 

→ Yesterday I finally saw my friends and we had a good gossip session.

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3. Echarle crema a los tacos

To exaggerate or embellish a story—making it sound better or more dramatic than it really was. 

👉 Literal translation: “To put cream on your tacos”

Example: 

-¿De verdad ella casi muere en el viaje? 

-No le creas mucho porque suele echarle crema a sus tacos.

 → -Did she really almost die on the trip? 

-Don’t believe her too much—she tends to exaggerate a lot.

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4. Echarle pa’lante

(To keep going / move forward)

A motivational expression to encourage someone to keep pushing through tough times.

Example: 

Sé que tuviste un mal día, pero échale pa’lante, yo sé que puedes. 

→ I know you had a bad day, but keep going — I know you can do it.

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5. Echarle ganas

(To put in effort )

This is used to motivate or encourage someone to try harder or stay positive.

Example:

 Mi hijo no saca buenas calificaciones en la escuela y yo le digo: échale ganas, estudia más, acércate a tu profesor y resuelve tus dudas.

 → My son isn’t getting good grades, so I tell him: try your best, study more, talk to your teacher, and clear up your doubts.

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6. Echar una mano

(To give a hand)

Perfect for replacing “ayudar” or “to ask for help” with a more natural-sounding phrase.

Example: 

Necesito arreglar las ventanas. ¿Me echas la mano? 

→ I need to fix the windows. Can you give me a hand?

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7. Echar un vistazo

(To take a look)

A casual and useful way to say “check something out.”

Example:

 Acabo de crear mi sitio web. ¿Puedes echarle un vistazo y decirme qué opinas? Gracias.

 → I just created my website. Can you take a look and let me know what you think? Thanks.

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8. Echar de menos

(To miss someone)

This expression is more common in Spain, but it’s widely understood in Mexico too.

Example: 

La última vez que estuvimos juntos la pasamos increíble. Te echo de menos. ¿Cuándo nos volveremos a ver?

 → Last time we were together we had an amazing time. I miss you. When will we see each other again?

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Practice Time! 🧠

Now that you know these expressions, try using one today!

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