vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Hacer falta" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to need", and "hacerle falta" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "he needs". Learn more about the difference between "hacer falta" and "hacerle falta" 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.
hacerle falta(
ah
-
sehr
-
leh
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.).
a. he needs (masculine)
Tengo que salir de compras con Pedrito. Le hace falta una nueva mochila para la escuela.I have to go shopping with Pedrito. He needs a new backpack for school.
b. she needs (feminine)
Susana está abandonada. Le hace falta un buen corte de pelo y un poco de ropa nueva.Susana has let herself go. She needs a good haircut and some new clothes.
2. (formal) (second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
