Inklingo

How to Say "miss" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “miss” is “pierda” — use this when you are talking about failing to catch or losing something, like a train, a bus, or an object..

pierda🔊A1

Use this when you are talking about failing to catch or losing something, like a train, a bus, or an object.

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escapar🔊B1

Use this when you mean to let an opportunity or something desirable get away from you, often due to inaction or delay.

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faltan🔊B1

Use this specifically when referring to people being absent or missing from a place, such as a class or a meeting.

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señoritaA1

Use this as a polite title for a young or unmarried woman, or to get the attention of female staff in a service setting.

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srta.🔊A1

This is a written abbreviation for 'señorita', used formally before a surname to refer to an unmarried woman.

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srta🔊A1

This is a shortened written form of 'señorita', used before a name, traditionally for unmarried women.

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English → Spanish

pierda

/pyehr-dah//ˈpjeɾða/

verbA1general
Use this when you are talking about failing to catch or losing something, like a train, a bus, or an object.
A close-up view of a hand accidentally dropping a shiny gold key onto bright green grass.

Examples

Espero que no pierda mi teléfono otra vez.

I hope I don't lose my phone again.

Dígale que no pierda el tiempo con esas cosas.

Tell him not to waste time with those things.

Aunque el equipo sea fuerte, existe la posibilidad de que pierda.

Even if the team is strong, there is a possibility that it might lose.

Subjunctive Mood

This form ('pierda') is used when you express wishes, uncertainty, emotions, or opinions about the actions of others (or yourself). It signals that the action hasn't happened yet or is not a guaranteed fact.

Stem Change

The verb perder is irregular. The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present tense forms, including 'pierda', but not in the 'we' (nosotros) or 'you all' (vosotros) forms (e.g., perdamos).

Using the wrong mood

Mistake: “No creo que él pierde.”

Correction: No creo que él pierda. (When expressing doubt or disbelief, Spanish requires the special verb form, 'pierda', not the simple fact form, 'pierde'.)

escapar

/es-kah-PAHR//es.kaˈpaɾ/

verbB1general
Use this when you mean to let an opportunity or something desirable get away from you, often due to inaction or delay.
A simple silhouette of a person looking slightly confused. A large, stylized house key is floating rapidly away from their head, illustrating the concept of forgetting something.

Examples

La oportunidad de viajar se me escapó por no comprar los billetes a tiempo.

The opportunity to travel slipped away because I didn't buy the tickets on time.

¿Qué dijiste? Se me escapó la palabra.

What did you say? I missed that word.

Se nos escapó el nombre del actor.

The actor's name slipped our mind (We forgot the actor's name).

Using 'Escaparse' Reflexively

To express that you accidentally forgot or missed something, use the reflexive form 'escaparse' (like 'olvidarse'). You say se me escapó (it escaped to me), not yo escapé.

Forgetting the Indirect Object

Mistake: “La oportunidad escapó.”

Correction: La oportunidad se me escapó. (When meaning 'slipped away from me,' you must use the reflexive pronoun 'se' and the indirect object pronoun 'me.')

faltan

FAHL-tahn/ˈfal.tan/

verbB1general
Use this specifically when referring to people being absent or missing from a place, such as a class or a meeting.
A storybook illustration of a classroom row with five desks. Three desks have children sitting at them, and two desks are empty, showing that some students are absent.

Examples

Tres estudiantes faltan hoy a clase.

Three students are absent from class today.

Ellos siempre faltan a las reuniones importantes.

They always miss the important meetings.

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).

señorita

nounA1formal/polite
Use this as a polite title for a young or unmarried woman, or to get the attention of female staff in a service setting.

Examples

Disculpe, señorita, ¿me puede ayudar?

Excuse me, Miss, can you help me?

srta.

/sen-yo-REE-ta//seɲoˈɾita/

abbreviationA1formal
This is a written abbreviation for 'señorita', used formally before a surname to refer to an unmarried woman.
A simple storybook illustration of a young woman standing formally, representing the respectful title 'Miss'.

Examples

La carta está dirigida a la Srta. Pérez.

The letter is addressed to Miss Pérez.

Por favor, entregue esto a la Srta. García en recepción.

Please give this to Miss García at reception.

Estimada Srta. López: Le escribo para confirmar nuestra reunión.

Dear Miss López: I am writing to confirm our meeting.

Abbreviation for 'Señorita'

'Srta.' is the short, written form of 'señorita'. You must always write it with a period at the end.

When to Use 'Srta.'

Use 'Srta.' right before the last name of a girl or a woman you know is unmarried. It's a sign of respect, especially in formal writing like letters, emails, or on forms.

Forgetting the Period

Mistake: “Srta Garcia”

Correction: Srta. Garcia. Abbreviations in Spanish almost always need a period to show that letters have been left out.

Using 'Srta.' for a Married Woman

Mistake: “Referring to a married woman as 'Srta. Rodriguez'.”

Correction: Use 'Srta.' for 'Miss' (unmarried) and 'Sra.' for 'Mrs.' (married). If you're not sure, 'Sra.' is often a safer and more respectful choice for an adult woman.

Saying it Out Loud

Mistake: “Saying the letters 'ese-erre-te-a' or 'sereta' when speaking.”

Correction: 'Srta.' is only for writing. When you speak, you always say the full word: 'señorita'.

srta

sseh-nyoh-REE-tah (The abbreviation is read as the full word, 'señorita')/se.ɲoˈɾi.ta/

contractionA1formal
This is a shortened written form of 'señorita', used before a name, traditionally for unmarried women.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a young woman standing formally, wearing a neat blue dress and a small bow in her hair, representing the title 'Miss.'

Examples

La Srta. García tiene una cita a las tres.

Miss García has an appointment at three o'clock.

Estimada Srta. López, su paquete ha llegado.

Dear Ms. López, your package has arrived.

Necesito hablar con la Srta. Elena del departamento de ventas.

I need to speak with Miss Elena from the sales department.

Always Feminine

This title is exclusively used for women and girls. It is the abbreviated form of the full word 'señorita'.

Capitalization and Period

When used before a name, the abbreviation must be capitalized: 'Srta.' Standard written Spanish requires a period (.), but this is often omitted in digital text.

Confusing it with 'Señora'

Mistake: “Using 'Srta.' for an older woman you wish to address formally.”

Correction: Use 'Sra.' (Señora) as a general respectful title for any adult woman, regardless of marital status. This is the safest choice if you are unsure or if the context is highly professional.

Confusing 'miss' as in 'absent' vs. 'miss' as in 'lose'

Learners often confuse 'faltan' (absent) with verbs like 'pierda' or 'escapar' (to lose/let slip away). Remember that 'faltan' is only used for people not being present, while 'pierda' and 'escapar' relate to losing objects or opportunities.

Related Translations

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