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"Hacer falta" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to need", and "faltar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to miss". Learn more about the difference between "hacer falta" and "faltar" below.
hacer falta(
ah
-
sehr
fahl
-
tah
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (to require)
a. to need
Me hace falta un buen par de botas para este clima.I need a good pair of boots for this weather.
b. to be necessary
Hace falta tomar un curso de economía para calificar para el programa.A course in economics is necessary to qualify for the program.
2. (to long for) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
faltar(
fahl
-
tahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to miss
Si falto a clase una vez más, suspenderé la asignatura.If I miss the class one more time, I will fail the subject.
b. to not turn up at
¿Así que has faltado a tu cita con el dentista?So you didn't turn up at your appointment with the dentist?
a. to be missing
No puedo terminar de montar el armario porque faltan tres tornillos.I can't finish assembling the closet because there are three screws missing.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Es buena cocinera, pero le falta experiencia.She's a good cook, but she lacks experience.
Hubo tantos asistentes que faltaban sillas en la sala.There were so many attendants that the room was short of chairs.
4. (to remain)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
A la sopa le faltan 10 minutos.The soup needs another 10 minutes.
Faltan dos meses para que sea Navidad.There are two months to go till Christmas.
a. to break
Dijo que dejaría de fumar, pero al final faltó a su promesa.He said he would quit smoking, but in the end he broke his promise.
b. to not keep
No esperes que te devuelva el dinero porque suele faltar a su palabra.Don't expect to get your money back from him because he doesn't usually keep his word.
