Echar a correr = Comenzar (empezar) a correr?

Question

Can they be interchangable?

Buena pregunta. - a-YU-dar, Dec 9, 2012

Answer 1

This definition is from the dictionary here. So yes, if you use the reflexive pronoun, echarse can mean empezar.

(empezar) • echarse a hacer algo -> to begin to do something, to start doing something • se echó a cantar/reír -> he burst into song/laughter

Bienvenida de nuevo al foro. - a-YU-dar, Dec 9, 2012

Answer 2

There is a different implication in "echar a correr."

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Echar a correr is usually prompted by an unexpected situation (to flee, to run away) - Elvis

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I'll differ from Elvis a bit to better explain it

Flee, run away = huir

You can think of "echar a correr" as "turn tail and run" (which is in stark contrast to simply, began to run.)

Additional note: You can also think of it as "burst into a run".... it portrays more of a SUDDENNESS. Therein lies the difference.

Answer 3

No. Echar a correr is usually prompted by an unexpected situation (to flee, to run away). El ladrón se echó a correr con el dinero. The thief fled or ran away with the money.

Comenzar or empezar a correr does not necessarily mean to flee. It means to start running.

to flee** - a-YU-dar, Dec 9, 2012