faltan
“faltan” means “are missing” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
are missing, are lacking
Also: are needed
📝 In Action
Faltan tres sillas en la mesa para todos.
A2Three chairs are missing from the table for everyone.
¿Qué más falta? Faltan los documentos firmados.
B1What else is missing? The signed documents are lacking.
are left, remain
Also: are remaining
📝 In Action
Faltan solo diez páginas para terminar el libro.
A2Only ten pages are left to finish the book.
¡Faltan cinco minutos para que empiece la película!
A2There are five minutes left until the movie starts!
are absent, miss
Also: fail to attend
📝 In Action
Tres estudiantes faltan hoy a clase.
B1Three students are absent from class today.
Ellos siempre faltan a las reuniones importantes.
B1They always miss the important meetings.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "faltan" in Spanish:
are absent→are lacking→are left→are missing→are needed→are remaining→miss→remain→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: faltan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'faltan' to mean 'are left'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Late Latin word *fallitare*, which was an intensive form of the verb *fallere*, meaning 'to deceive' or 'to fail.' Over time, the meaning shifted from 'to fail' to 'to be deficient' or 'to be missing.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'faltan' plural if the English translation sounds singular ('There are missing...')?
'Faltan' is plural because the subject of the Spanish sentence is the object that is missing (e.g., 'the books'). Since 'the books' are plural, the verb must be 'faltan,' agreeing with the books, not with the implied 'there' of the English sentence.
How do I know whether to use 'falta' or 'faltan'?
Count the items! If you are missing one thing (e.g., 'one minute'), use 'falta.' If you are missing two or more things (e.g., 'two minutes'), use 'faltan.' The verb always matches the quantity of the thing being discussed.