Arrastrar vs. tirar vs. halar vs. jalar
Despite Spanish words 'arrastrar', 'tirar', 'halar', and 'jalar' are often used interchangeably, they have distinctive nuances.
Arrastrar
This word translates to 'to drag'. It suggests a heavier or more forceful action, generally one where the object being moved might be resistant or difficult to move.
El carro estaba tan dañado que tuvimos que arrastrarlo fuera de la carretera.
(The car was so damaged that we had to drag it off the road.)
El niño arrastra su osito de peluche por todas partes.
(The child drags his teddy bear everywhere.)
Tirar
'Tirar' is typically used in the sense of 'to pull'. However, it can also mean 'to throw' depending on the context.
Tira de la cuerda para sonar la campana.
(Pull the rope to ring the bell.)
Tiró el balón tan fuerte que rompió una ventana.
(He threw the ball so hard that he broke a window.)
Halar
Most commonly used in Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and parts of Central America, this term also means 'to pull'. Unlike 'tirar', it is less likely to be confused with other actions.
Debes halar esa puerta para abrirla.
(You should pull that door to open it.)
Voy a halar la cuerda para levantar el balde del pozo.
(I'm going to pull the rope to lift the bucket from the well.)
Jalar
'Jalar' is another term for 'to pull'. It's widely accepted across Mexico, Central America and parts of South America. It does not have meanings which overlap with others like 'tirar'.
El toro jaló el carro sin problemas.
(The bull pulled the cart without problems.)
Jala esa silla hacia ti para sentarte.
(Pull that chair towards you to sit down.)
Summary
These Spanish words all suggest an action of movement that requires some level of force. Though they can often all translate into English as 'to pull' or 'to drag', there are subtle distinctions such as: 'Arrastrar' suggesting a heavier pull or drag, 'Tirar' can also mean to throw, whereas 'Halar' and 'Jalar' are often just used in regional dialects.