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"Falta" is a form of "falta", a noun which is often translated as "lack". "Me hace falta" is a phrase which is often translated as "I need". Learn more about the difference between "falta" and "me hace falta" below.
la falta(
fahl
-
tah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (scarcity)
a. missed period
¿Has tenido falta? Puede que estés embarazada.Have you missed a period? It's possible you're pregnant.
me hace falta(
meh
ah
-
seh
fahl
-
tah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (I require)
a. I need
Me hace falta un martillo. ¿Dónde está la caja de herramientas?I need a hammer. Where's the toolbox?
2. (I feel the absence of) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. I miss
Me hace falta el fútbol. Jugaba mucho cuando era más joven.I miss soccer. I played a lot when I was younger.
b. I miss it
El club de teatro era muy divertido. Me hace falta.The drama club was so fun. I miss it.
c. I miss him (masculine)
A word or phrase that is masculine (e.g., el libro).
Mi hermano se fue a la universidad. Me hace falta.My brother went away to college. I miss him.
d. I miss her (feminine)
A word or phrase that is feminine (e.g., la manzana).
Mi mejor amiga se mudó y me hace falta.My best friend moved away and I miss her.
3. (formal) (I feel your absence; singular) (Latin America)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. I miss you
Me hace falta, Sra. Collins. La nueva maestra es terrible.I miss you, Mrs. Collins. The new teacher is terrible.
