Confusing Singular/Plural

When 'faltar' means 'to be missing,' it works backward, just like 'gustar' (to like). The thing that is missing is the real subject, so if it's plural (like 'documents'), you use 'faltan'.

The 'Gustar' Structure

You can use 'faltan' to express a need: 'Me faltan veinte dólares' means 'I am missing/I need twenty dollars.'

Impersonal Necessity

Extremely common. This is the primary way to express that multiple things are missing or needed.

When counting down time, always use 'faltar' in the third person. If the unit of time is plural (minutes, hours, days), use 'faltan'.

Counting Down

Very common, especially when talking about time remaining until an event.

When 'faltar' means 'to be absent' from a place or event, it usually requires the preposition 'a' before the location: 'Faltan a la fiesta' (They are absent from the party).

Using 'a' for Absence

Common when referring to groups of people being absent from a place or event.

'Faltan' is the 3rd person plural present tense of 'faltar.' It primarily means 'are missing,' 'are lacking,' or 'are remaining' (especially for time and quantities). Learn its common 'gustar'-like structure and uses.

faltan

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations