falleció
fah-yeh-SEE-oh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
El escritor falleció en su casa rodeado de su familia.
B1The writer passed away at his home surrounded by his family.
La noticia indica que la víctima falleció en el acto.
B2The news indicates that the victim died instantly.
Mi abuelo falleció hace diez años.
B1My grandfather died ten years ago.
💡 Grammar Points
Past Tense Focus
'Falleció' is the simple past (preterite) form used for a single, completed action performed by 'he,' 'she,' or 'you' (formal). It marks the moment the person died.
The Formal 'C'
The base verb fallecer is an -er verb. In the present tense 'yo' form and all subjunctive forms, the 'c' changes to 'zc' (e.g., fallezco, fallezca) to keep the 'th' or 's' sound.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Past Tenses
Mistake: "Mi abuela fallecía a los 90 años."
Correction: Mi abuela falleció a los 90 años. (Use 'falleció' [preterite] because the death was a single, completed event, not an ongoing habit.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Respectful Language
When speaking to someone about the death of a loved one, using 'falleció' is generally considered more polite and respectful than using the common verb 'murió'.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: falleció
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'falleció' correctly?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'falleció' and 'murió'?
Both mean 'he/she died,' but 'falleció' (from *fallecer*) is much more formal and respectful. Think of 'murió' (from *morir*) as 'died' and 'falleció' as 'passed away.' Use 'falleció' in official settings or when showing extra respect.
Is 'falleció' a regular verb?
Yes, *fallecer* is generally regular in its endings, but it has a minor spelling change (c to zc) in the present tense 'yo' form and all subjunctive forms to keep the sound consistent. The form 'falleció' itself follows the standard pattern for -er verbs in the simple past.