"Falta poco..." meaning

Question

Hi all,

Could someone tell me the meaning of this phrase, and how "falta poco + subjunctive" works? Also how time expressions with "falta" work in general.

"Falta poco para que haga 4 años desde que nos vimos por primera vez."

I'd try to translate it but I really don't know how these two phrases fit together in a sentence and Google translate doesn't help.

"There's a little time left in order to..." and "four years since we first saw each other".

Thanks.

Answer 1

Falta poco = to lack a little. Or in your sentence "we lack a little" to complete four years. Or more simply, "almost" four years.

Literally: It lacks a little to make four years since we first saw each other for the first time.

And the subjunctive is there because it has not yet been four years, am I right? - TheSilentHero, Dec 27, 2011

yes you're right - para que always takes the subjunctive because it talks about and action or in this case date that is anticipated or upcoming :) - Kiwi-Girl, Dec 27, 2011

Answer 2

And the subjunctive is there because it has not yet been four years, am I right?

The subjunctive is there because 'para que' always takes the subjunctive.

Answer 3

Thanks all.