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"Falta" is a form of "falta", a noun which is often translated as "lack". "Sobrar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to be left over". Learn more about the difference between "falta" and "sobrar" 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.
sobrar(
soh
-
brahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to remain)
a. to be left over
Si sobra comida después de la fiesta, la vamos a donar.If food is left over after the party, we'll donate it.
a. to not be needed
Usted nos sobra en esta reunión, así que se puede retirar.You are not needed at this meeting, so you can leave.
b. to be too many (with countable nouns)
Sobran platos en la mesa. - Está bien; quita uno.There are too many plates on the table. - Ok; take one off.
c. to be too much (with uncountable nouns)
Sobra comida chatarra en este carrito; mejor compramos más verduras.There is too much junk food in this cart; let's buy more vegetables instead.
d. to be more than enough
Sobra agua en la olla para cocinar el arroz.There's more than enough water in the pot to cook the rice.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
