fallo
/fá-yo/
mistake
A visual representation of a mistake or general error.
fallo(noun)
mistake
?general error
,failure
?system malfunction
defect
?product flaw
,error
?computing/technical
📝 In Action
Hubo un fallo en el motor y tuvimos que parar.
A2There was a failure in the engine and we had to stop.
Este fallo de diseño es peligroso.
B1This design defect is dangerous.
Admitió su fallo y pidió disculpas.
B1He admitted his mistake and apologized.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Fallo' vs. 'Error'
'Fallo' often implies a mechanical or procedural malfunction, or a severe misjudgment. 'Error' is more general for minor mistakes.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun and Verb
Mistake: "Using 'fallo' (noun) when you mean the action of failing ('fallar')."
Correction: Remember 'fallo' is the thing (the mistake), 'fallar' is the action (to fail).
⭐ Usage Tips
Technical Context
Use 'fallo' frequently when talking about computers, cars, or other machines that stop working correctly.
The formal ruling or decision made by a court.
📝 In Action
El fallo del tribunal fue a favor de la demandante.
B2The court's ruling was in favor of the plaintiff.
La prensa espera el fallo final sobre el caso de corrupción.
C1The press awaits the final verdict on the corruption case.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Use
This meaning is almost always used when discussing legal or official decisions made by a judge or official body.
The verb form meaning "I fail" or I don't succeed.
fallo(verb)
I fail
?I don't succeed
,I miss
?I don't hit the target
I disappoint
?I let someone down
📝 In Action
Si no estudio, fallo el examen.
A1If I don't study, I fail the exam.
Cuando intento hacer esa receta, siempre fallo en el último paso.
A2When I try to make that recipe, I always fail at the last step.
Nunca fallo a mis amigos.
B1I never let my friends down (or: I never fail my friends).
💡 Grammar Points
Simple Regular Verb
'Fallar' is a standard '-ar' verb, meaning it follows the most common conjugation patterns, making it easy to learn.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Fallo' for 'I miss a person'
Mistake: "I miss my mother: 'Yo fallo a mi madre.'"
Correction: Use 'extrañar' or 'echar de menos' when you miss a person. 'Fallo' is for missing a target, a mark, or failing an attempt.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Yo' Form
The word 'fallo' (verb) is only used when talking about yourself: 'Yo fallo' (I fail/I miss).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fallo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'fallo' in its formal, legal meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'fallo' means 'mistake' or 'ruling'?
Look at the surrounding words. If you see words like 'juez' (judge), 'tribunal' (court), or 'sentencia' (sentence), it means 'ruling.' If you see words like 'sistema' (system), 'máquina' (machine), or 'diseño' (design), it means 'mistake' or 'defect.'
Is 'fallo' the same as 'falla'?
They are very similar! 'Fallo' (masculine noun) is generally preferred in Spain for technical or legal failures. 'Falla' (feminine noun) is very common in Latin America for errors or faults, and in Spain, it specifically refers to a geological fault or a large festival in Valencia.