Throw a party or have a party?

Question

Is there a difference in how you say "I am going to throw a party for my sister." or "I am going to have a party for my sister."?

They mean pretty much the same thing, but throw is a little better when it's for someone else. - benweck, Oct 19, 2010

Answer 1

I agree that these are synonymous. However, since anyone can have a party...

My husband and I are going to have a big party.

Our office will have a Christmas party.

...I think that "to throw" a party emphasizes the fact that you are doing this in honor of someone (your sister). You are making the effort to do something special for someone or something in particular.

Interestingly, where I live (Philadelphia) and also among my friends and family in nearby New York City, the expression "make a party" is more commonly used. This expression is popular in my family and comes from the Italian expression

“fare le nozze" which means "make the wedding".

This is also commonly used in Jewish families in my part of the country.*

Yes I'd agree with that Nicole :) - Kiwi-Girl, Oct 20, 2010

Hmm... Never heard "make a party" before! (I live in NY state and go to school in Philadelphia.) - Soninmyeyes, Oct 24, 2010

It is more of a Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens thing. - Nicole-B, Oct 24, 2010

Answer 2

I would say they are pretty much synonymous

Answer 3

I agree, synonymous but 'throw a party' gives more emphasis, more feeling.

Answer 4

I think that

to throw a party would be tirar la casa por la ventana.

and to have a party is organizar una fiesta, ´armar una fiesta´.

The SD phrasebook entry for "throw a party" is "Hacer una fiesta, invitar a una fiesta" - maybe should add tirar...? - pesta, Oct 20, 2010

it´s an idiomatic expression, why don´t you suggest it? - mediterrunio, Oct 21, 2010

Answer 5

To me, anyone can have a party, but when you throw a party, you are putting a lot of work into it.

lol - Gocika, Oct 20, 2010

Answer 6

I've only heard it used with "hacer".