fallar
/fah-YAR/
to fail
When you fallar (fail) to succeed, you don't reach the finish line.
fallar(verb)
to fail
?not succeed
,to break a promise
?disappoint someone
to let down
?disappoint
,to flunk
?informal, exam
📝 In Action
Fallé el examen de conducir por un punto.
A2I failed the driving test by one point.
No puedes fallarme esta vez; necesito tu ayuda.
B1You can't let me down this time; I need your help.
Si fallas en tu intento, vuelve a empezar.
B2If you fail in your attempt, start again.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular AR Verb
This verb is easy! It follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar, meaning you don't have to worry about tricky stem changes.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'fallar' and 'faltar'
Mistake: "Using 'Falté el examen' (I was absent from the exam) when you mean 'Fallé el examen' (I failed the exam)."
Correction: 'Faltar' means 'to be missing' or 'to be absent.' Use 'fallar' specifically for not succeeding.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with People
When you use 'fallar' with a person (e.g., 'me fallaste'), it means you disappointed them or broke a promise to them.
If a machine or system falla (malfunctions), it stops working properly.
fallar(verb)
to malfunction
?machine, system
,to break down
?engine, equipment
to fail (mechanically)
?technical report
📝 In Action
La computadora falló justo antes de guardar el archivo.
B1The computer malfunctioned right before saving the file.
El motor de la nave empezó a fallar a mitad del viaje.
B2The ship's engine started to fail halfway through the trip.
⭐ Usage Tips
Technical Issues
This is the perfect verb to describe when any piece of technology or machinery unexpectedly stops working or encounters an error.
To fallar (miss) means the shot did not hit the intended mark.
📝 In Action
El futbolista falló el gol por centímetros.
B2The soccer player missed the goal by centimeters.
Aunque apuntó bien, falló el tiro.
C1Although he aimed well, he missed the shot.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fallar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'fallar' in the sense of a machine breaking down?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'fallar' used in the legal sense, like 'to rule' or 'to pass judgment'?
Yes, in formal legal contexts, 'fallar' can mean 'to pass judgment' or 'to rule,' but this is a specialized meaning. For everyday Spanish, stick to 'to fail' or 'to malfunction.'
How do I say 'He failed me' without sounding overly dramatic?
You can use 'Me falló' (He let me down/He failed me). This is the standard, concise way to express disappointment when someone breaks a promise or doesn't come through.