faltaba
“faltaba” means “was missing” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
📝 In Action
Cuando llegué a la reunión, solo faltaba el jefe.
A2When I arrived at the meeting, only the boss was missing.
En la receta, faltaba un ingrediente crucial: el azúcar.
B1In the recipe, a crucial ingredient was lacking: the sugar.
Parecía que siempre faltaba algo de dinero en la caja.
B2It seemed like some money was always missing from the till.
📝 In Action
Después de mudarse, le faltaba la tranquilidad del campo.
B1After moving, she missed the tranquility of the countryside. (Literally: The tranquility of the countryside was lacking to her.)
A pesar de tener amigos, me faltaba mi mejor amigo de la infancia.
B2Despite having friends, I missed my best friend from childhood.
📝 In Action
Faltaba solo una hora para que terminara el plazo.
B1Only one hour remained until the deadline ended.
Cuando llegamos a la cima, nos dimos cuenta de que faltaba poco para el amanecer.
B2When we reached the summit, we realized that little time was left until dawn.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "faltaba" in Spanish:
remained→was lacking→was left→was missing→was needed→yearned for→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: faltaba
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best translates 'Me faltaba un libro para terminar la colección'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'faltar' comes from the Latin verb *fallere*, meaning 'to deceive' or 'to fail.' Over time, its meaning shifted in Spanish to focus on the idea of 'failing to be present' or 'lacking something.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'faltaba' and 'faltó'?
'Faltaba' (Imperfect) describes a continuous or habitual situation in the past (e.g., 'The light was always off'). 'Faltó' (Preterite) describes a single, completed event (e.g., 'He missed the appointment once').
Is 'faltaba' the same as 'extrañaba'?
They are similar when talking about missing a person. 'Extrañaba' is generally used for emotional longing ('I missed him'). 'Faltaba' often implies a practical or emotional lack where the missing item/person is the subject ('He was lacking to me').