The verb faltar (and the noun falta) have several meanings and uses in Spanish. Below are the most common ones, along with examples:
1. To indicate time remaining (time left until an event)
We use the verb faltar to talk about how much time is left before something happens. For example:
Faltan dos meses para el verano.
Summer is two months away.
Falta una semana para la fiesta.
There is one week left until the party.
You can also use the noun falta with the phrase a falta de, which means “with (only) … left.” For example:
A falta de un mes para el verano, todos están felices.
With one month left until summer, everyone is happy.
2. To be missing / to lack (something)
We also use the verb faltar to express that something is missing or insufficient. For example:
Me faltan diez pesos para comprarlo.
I’m missing ten pesos to buy it.
Faltan dos lápices en la cartuchera.
The pencil case is short of two pencils.
Falta tiempo para terminar el proyecto.
There isn’t enough time to finish the project.
TIP! When using faltar en these two cases, the verb usually comes before the amount of time. For example, instead of saying “Dos meses faltan para el verano,” it’s more natural to say “Faltan dos meses para el verano.”
We can also use the noun falta to express a shortage or lack:
Hay una falta de alimentos en la región.
There is a lack of food in the region.
3. To be absent (from a place or event)
We also use faltar to indicate when someone does not attend a place or show up. For example:
Hoy Juan faltó a la escuela.
Juan didn’t attend school today.
¿Por qué faltaste a la reunión?
Why did you miss the meeting?
TIP! In Spanish, we can use faltar without specifying the place or nature of the absence. For instance, “Juan siempre falta” means Juan is aways absent, even if the exact context isn’t mentioned.
We can also use the noun falta to refer to absences, usually formal ones like missing school:
Juan tiene dos faltas esta semana: no vino a la escuela el lunes y el miércoles.
Juan has two absences this week: he didn’t come to school on Monday and Wednesday.
4. A mistake, fault OR VIOLATION (noun: “falta”)
We can use the noun falta to refer to a fault, error, or violation.
Cometió una falta y tuvo que pagar una multa.
He committed an infraction and had to pay a fine.
Esa falta puede costarte caro.
That mistake can cost you dearly.
HACER FALTA
1. To need (something)
We use the expression hacer falta to mean to need. For example:
Me hacen falta diez pesos.
I need ten pesos.
2. To miss someone (expressing emotional absence)
We also use hacer falta to express emotional longing or missing someone. For example:
¡Me haces falta, amada mía!
I miss you, my beloved!
That’s a lot, isn’t it? But don’t worry—I’ll make it as simple as possible. This is all the theory you need. Below, you’ll find a table showing the various uses of faltar, along with a fun game to practice. If you’d like, I can also send you a document with traditional exercises.
And, as always, the best practice will come during our lessons, where we’ll enjoy conversations and help you master using faltar naturally—without even realizing you’re studying!
RECAP TABLE
| # | USE | ESPAÑOL | ENGLISH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | To indicate time remaining | Faltan dos meses para el verano. | There are two months left until summer. |
| 2 | To be missing | Falta azúcar en la receta. | Sugar is missing in the recipe. |
| 3 | lack (noun) | Hay una falta de ingenieros en este país. | There is a lack of engineers in this country. |
| 4 | To miss / be absent | Ella faltó al trabajo ayer. | She missed work yesterday. |
| 5 | Absence | Juan tuvo dos faltas este año. | Juan had two absences this year. |
| 6 | Mistake / fault (noun) | Cometió una falta legal. | He committed a legal offense. |
| 7 | To need | Me hacen falta más ideas. | I need more ideas. |
| 8 | To miss someone | Me haces mucha falta. | I miss you a lot. |
And now, let’s play this game!
