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Arrastrar vs. tirar vs. halar vs. jalar

Word practice demo
Despite Spanish words arrastrar, tirar, halar, and jalar are often used interchangeably, they have distinctive nuances.

Arrastrar

B1
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

A2
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

B2
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

B1
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.