recaer
“recaer” means “to relapse” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to relapse
Also: to fall back into
📝 In Action
Después de tres meses sin fumar, lamentablemente recayó.
B1After three months without smoking, unfortunately he relapsed.
Ten cuidado con el frío para no recaer en la gripe.
B1Be careful with the cold so you don't fall ill with the flu again.
Es normal recaer a veces cuando intentas cambiar un hábito.
B2It is normal to fall back sometimes when you are trying to change a habit.
to fall on/upon
Also: to rest with
📝 In Action
Toda la responsabilidad recae sobre el director.
B2All the responsibility falls on the director.
La sospecha recayó en el vecino.
B2Suspicion fell on the neighbor.
La decisión final recae en el comité.
C1The final decision rests with the committee.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "recaer" in Spanish:
to relapse→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: recaer
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following is the correct 'yo' form in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin prefix 're-' (again) and the verb 'cadere' (to fall). Literally meaning 'to fall again'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'recaer' always used for bad things?
Generally, yes. It usually refers to illnesses coming back, bad habits returning, or blame/responsibilities being assigned. You wouldn't typically 'recaer' into a good habit.
How is it different from 'caer'?
'Caer' means to fall physically or metaphorically. 'Recaer' adds the prefix 're-', meaning it's happening AGAIN (like a relapse) or that it is settling onto someone as a duty.
Is the 'y' in 'recayó' a mistake?
No, it is a spelling rule! In Spanish, when an 'i' is between two vowels (like e-i-o in re-ca-ió), it changes to a 'y' to make the sound easier to pronounce.