falla
/FAH-yah/
fault
Falla (fault/flaw): A small defect in an otherwise perfect object.
falla(noun)
fault
?a defect or flaw
,error
?a mistake in procedure or judgment
flaw
?imperfection
,failure
?system breakdown
📝 In Action
Hay una falla en el sistema eléctrico del coche.
A2There is a fault in the car's electrical system.
La caída del servidor se debió a una falla humana.
B1The server crash was due to a human error.
Revisamos el informe pero no encontramos ninguna falla.
B1We checked the report but didn't find any mistake.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Falla' vs. 'Error'
'Falla' often refers to a malfunction or a structural defect (like in a machine or design). 'Error' is usually about a human mistake or calculation.
⭐ Usage Tips
Plural Form
To talk about multiple problems, use the plural: 'fallas'. Example: 'Las fallas del motor son graves.' (The engine faults are serious.)
Falla (he/she/it fails): The act of failing an attempt or task.
falla(verb)
he/she/it fails
?present tense action
,it malfunctions
?describing a machine
fail!
?informal command (tú)
📝 In Action
Si la luz roja se enciende, es porque el motor falla.
A2If the red light comes on, it's because the engine is failing/malfunctioning.
Siempre falla cuando tiene que tomar una decisión difícil.
B1He always fails when he has to make a difficult decision.
No falla el examen, solo necesita estudiar más.
A2She is not failing the exam, she just needs to study more. (Note: Often used with 'no')
💡 Grammar Points
Tú Command Form
The word 'falla' is also the informal command used when telling one person what to do: '¡Falla!' (Fail!)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun and Verb
Mistake: "Using 'la falla' when you mean 'he/she fails'."
Correction: The noun 'la falla' means 'the mistake.' The verb form 'falla' means 'he/she/it fails.' Listen for the surrounding words (like 'el' or 'la') to know which one is being used.
Falla (fault line): A major break in the earth's geological structure.
📝 In Action
Los sismólogos estudian la falla de San Andrés.
B2Seismologists are studying the San Andreas Fault.
La actividad sísmica es mayor cerca de las fallas activas.
C1Seismic activity is higher near active fault lines.
⭐ Usage Tips
Technical Context
This meaning is almost always used when talking about earthquakes, geology, or large cracks in structures like bridges or roads.
Falla (Falla monument): The temporary, elaborate sculpture burned during the annual Las Fallas festival in Valencia.
falla(noun)
Falla
?The elaborate monument/sculpture burned during the Las Fallas festival in Valencia.
festival structure
?cultural artifact
📝 In Action
La Falla municipal de este año medía 20 metros de altura.
C1This year's municipal Falla (monument) was 20 meters tall.
Miles de personas se reúnen para ver la 'cremà' de las fallas.
C2Thousands of people gather to watch the burning of the fallas.
⭐ Usage Tips
Capitalization
When referring to the famous festival in Valencia, Spain, the word is often capitalized: 'Las Fallas'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: falla
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'falla' as a noun meaning 'defect'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'falla' the same as 'fallo'?
No, they are very close but used differently. 'La falla' (feminine) usually means a mistake, flaw, or defect (like a technical problem). 'El fallo' (masculine) usually means a ruling or verdict (like a judge's decision) or, less commonly, a minor error.
How do I know if 'falla' is the noun or the verb?
Look at the words around it! If it has 'la' or 'una' in front of it ('la falla'), it is the noun (the mistake). If it is used after a subject like 'él,' 'ella,' or 'el motor,' it is the verb form (he/she/it fails).