fallar
“fallar” means “to fail” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to fail, to break a promise
Also: to let down, to flunk
📝 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.
to malfunction, to break down
Also: to fail (mechanically)
📝 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.
to miss
Also: to err
📝 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
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: fallar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'fallar' in the sense of a machine breaking down?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin verb *fallere*, which meant 'to deceive,' 'to disappoint,' or 'to be mistaken.' This root evolved to describe the act of not succeeding or failing to meet an expectation.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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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.