fracaso
frah-KAH-soh
📝 In Action
El proyecto fue un fracaso total después de dos años.
B1The project was a total failure after two years.
No tengas miedo al fracaso, es parte del aprendizaje.
B2Don't be afraid of failure; it's part of learning.
Su matrimonio terminó en fracaso.
B1His marriage ended in failure.
La fiesta de lanzamiento resultó ser un fracaso.
B2The launch party turned out to be a flop (a fiasco).
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Article
Like many abstract nouns in Spanish (ideas or feelings), 'fracaso' often needs the definite article ('el') when you are talking about the concept generally: 'El fracaso es duro.' (Failure is hard.)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the Noun and Verb
Mistake: "Ella fracasó el examen."
Correction: Remember 'fracaso' is the noun (the thing). To describe the action, use the verb 'fracasar': 'Ella fracasó en el examen' (She failed the exam).
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Severity
You can emphasize a bad outcome by using strong adjectives like 'total,' 'completo,' or 'rotundo' (resounding) with 'fracaso' to show how bad the failure was.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fracaso
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'fracaso'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'fracaso' to describe a person?
Yes, but it is extremely harsh and negative. Saying 'Él es un fracaso' (He is a failure) is much stronger than using the related adjective/noun 'fracasado' (a failed person or person who failed). Stick to describing events or plans with 'fracaso' unless you want to be very critical.