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"Falta" is a form of "faltar", an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to miss". "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.
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.
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.
