falta
Lemma Details
Translation: lack; shortage; absence; fault; mistake; error; foul; violation
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'faltar' (to lack, to be missing), which comes from Latin 'fallita', the feminine past participle of 'fallere' meaning 'to deceive, to fail, to be lacking'. This Latin root also gave English words like 'fallible', 'false', and 'fault'. The connection between 'falta' and 'fault' is particularly clear, as both refer to errors or shortcomings.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Hay una falta de comunicación entre nosotros.
There is a lack of communication between us.
El árbitro marcó una falta contra nuestro equipo.
The referee called a foul against our team.
Cometí una falta de ortografía en mi ensayo.
I made a spelling mistake in my essay.
Me hace falta dinero para comprar comida.
I need money to buy food.
Estaré allí sin falta a las ocho.
I'll be there without fail at eight.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'fault' in English, which shares both etymology and meaning with 'falta'.
- Remember 'falta' as something that 'falls short' (connecting to the Latin 'fallere').
- In sports, when a player commits a 'falta' (foul), they're at 'fault'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In sports, especially soccer (fútbol), 'falta' refers to a foul. In everyday speech, it's commonly used in expressions like 'hacer falta' (to need) and 'sin falta' (without fail). In academic contexts, it can refer to an absence from class.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'falta' means 'lack' or 'mistake', 'falla' means 'failure' or 'malfunction', especially of mechanical or technical systems.
Notes: Both words come from Latin 'fallere', but have developed distinct meanings in modern Spanish.
Mnemonic: 'Falta' ends with 'ta' like 'mistake', while 'falla' ends with 'lla' like 'failure'.
Explanation: 'Falta' is the noun form (the lack, the mistake), while 'faltar' is the verb (to lack, to be missing).
Notes: The expression 'hacer falta' uses the noun 'falta' but functions like the verb 'faltar'.
Mnemonic: 'Falta' is the thing that's missing, 'faltar' is the action of missing.