hacer falta
Lemma Details
Translation: to be needed; to be necessary; to be missing; to lack
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'hacer' (to make/do) from Latin 'facere' and 'falta' (lack/absence) from Vulgar Latin 'fallita', derived from Latin 'fallere' (to deceive, disappoint). The combination creates an idiomatic expression that literally translates as 'to make a lack' but means 'to be needed' or 'to be missing'. This construction follows a pattern in Spanish where 'hacer' combines with nouns to form verbal phrases with specific meanings.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Hace falta más azúcar para la receta.
More sugar is needed for the recipe.
Me hace falta dinero para comprar el boleto.
I need money to buy the ticket.
No hace falta que vengas si estás cansado.
You don't need to come if you're tired.
¿Qué hace falta para completar el proyecto?
What is needed to complete the project?
Mnemonics
- Think of 'hacer falta' as 'making a gap' that needs to be filled - something is missing or needed.
- Connect 'falta' with 'fault' in English - when something is at 'fault', it needs correction or is missing.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is extremely common in everyday Spanish conversation. It's used both for expressing necessity ('hace falta comprar pan' - we need to buy bread) and for expressing that something or someone is missing ('me hace falta tu ayuda' - I need your help/your help is missing).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'hacer falta' is a phrase meaning 'to be needed/necessary', 'faltar' is a single verb meaning 'to be missing/lacking'. They overlap in meaning but are used in different constructions.
Notes: In many contexts, these can be interchangeable, but 'hacer falta' often implies a stronger sense of necessity or requirement.
Mnemonic: 'Hacer falta' has 'hacer' (to do/make) - you're actively making something necessary, while 'faltar' is more passive - something is simply missing.
Explanation: 'Hacer falta' can mean something is needed or missing, while 'echar de menos' specifically means to miss someone or something emotionally.
Notes: While both can translate to 'miss' in English, 'echar de menos' has a more emotional connotation, while 'hacer falta' is more about practical necessity.
Mnemonic: Think of 'echar de menos' for emotional missing, and 'hacer falta' for practical necessity.