faltar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Faltar is a verb in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/falˈtaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To lack
• To miss
• To be absent

Meaning and Usage

The verb "faltar" is used to express the idea of lacking something or someone or to indicate absence. It commonly appears in various contexts, including everyday conversation, legal terminology, and formal writing. Its frequency of use is fairly high in both oral and written speech, with a slight preference for oral conversation due to its commonality in daily interactions.

Example Sentences

1. Faltan dos días para la reunión.
   (Two days are left until the meeting.)
2. Cuando llegué, faltabas tú.
   (When I arrived, you were missing.)
3. Nos falta información para completar el proyecto.
   (We lack information to complete the project.)

Idiomatic Expressions

"Faltar" is quite common in Spanish idiomatic expressions. Here are a few:

1. Faltar a la verdad
   (To lie or to not tell the truth)

2. No puedes faltar a la verdad en tu testimonio.
   (You cannot lie in your testimony.)

3. Faltar un tornillo
   (To be a bit crazy or eccentric)

4. Está un poco raro, parece que le falta un tornillo.
   (He's acting a bit strange; he seems to be a bit crazy.)

5. Faltar poco para que...
   (It won’t be long until...)

6. Falta poco para que empiece el espectáculo.
   (It won’t be long until the show starts.)

7. No faltar a las citas
   (To keep appointments or commitments)

8. Es importante no faltar a las citas programadas.
   (It is important not to miss scheduled appointments.)

Etymology

The verb "faltar" originates from the Latin word "fallere," which means "to deceive" or "to fail." Over time, its usage evolved to denote the absence of something or someone.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Carecer - Ausentar - Mostrar ausencia

Antonyms: - Tener - Sobra - Presente