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"Sobrar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to be left over", and "hacer falta" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to need". Learn more about the difference between "sobrar" and "hacer falta" below.
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.).
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.
