faltan
/FAHL-tahn/
are missing
When several items are absent from a group, we say they are missing (faltan).
faltan(Verb)
are missing
?when multiple things are absent
,are lacking
?when multiple items are insufficient
are needed
?impersonal necessity
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Gustar' Structure
When 'faltar' means 'to be missing,' it works backward, just like 'gustar' (to like). The thing that is missing is the real subject, so if it's plural (like 'documents'), you use 'faltan'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Singular/Plural
Mistake: "Using 'falta' when talking about multiple things: *Falta cinco minutos.*"
Correction: Always check the quantity missing. If it's plural, use 'faltan': *Faltan cinco minutos.* (Five minutes are missing/left.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Impersonal Necessity
You can use 'faltan' to express a need: 'Me faltan veinte dólares' means 'I am missing/I need twenty dollars.'
Use faltan to describe a small quantity that is left or remaining from a larger amount.
faltan(Verb)
are left
?time or quantity remaining
,remain
?things still to be done
are remaining
?general quantity
📝 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!
💡 Grammar Points
Counting Down
When counting down time, always use 'faltar' in the third person. If the unit of time is plural (minutes, hours, days), use 'faltan'.
When people are absent from a designated place, such as a meeting or class, we use the verb faltan.
faltan(Verb)
are absent
?from a class or meeting
,miss
?an event
fail to attend
?formal attendance
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'a' for Absence
When 'faltar' means 'to be absent' from a place or event, it usually requires the preposition 'a' before the location: 'Faltan a la fiesta' (They are absent from the party).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: faltan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'faltan' to mean 'are left'?
📚 More Resources
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.