How to Say "to falter" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to falter” is “desmayar” — use 'desmayar' when referring to a person losing courage, determination, or strength of spirit, especially in the face of difficulty or adversity.
Use 'desmayar' when referring to a person losing courage, determination, or strength of spirit, especially in the face of difficulty or adversity.
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Use 'tambalear' when describing an organization, system, economy, or even a physical object losing stability, strength, or coherence.
Learn more →des-ma-YARdesmaˈʝaɾ
Examples
No te desmayes ahora, estamos a punto de lograrlo.
Don't falter now, we are about to achieve it.
No debemos desmayar en nuestra lucha por la paz.
We must not lose heart in our struggle for peace.
A pesar de las críticas, su ánimo no desmayó.
Despite the criticism, his spirit did not falter.
No 'Se' Required
When using the word to mean 'losing heart' or 'faltering,' you do not use the reflexive 'se.' It is used as a standard action.
tam-bah-leh-AHRtamba-leˈaɾ
Examples
La reputación de la empresa comenzó a tambalear tras el escándalo.
The company's reputation began to falter after the scandal.
La economía del país empezó a tambalear tras la crisis.
The country's economy began to falter after the crisis.
Sus argumentos hicieron tambalear la teoría del científico.
His arguments made the scientist's theory waver.
El gobierno se tambalea debido a las recientes protestas.
The government is shaky due to recent protests.
Abstract Subjects
When used figuratively, the subject of the sentence is often something you can't touch, like 'the economy' (la economía) or 'his confidence' (su confianza).
Don't confuse with 'dudar'
Mistake: “Using 'tambalear' for a person's simple hesitation between two choices.”
Correction: Use 'dudar' if a person can't decide. Use 'tambalear' if their entire support system or confidence is being shaken.
Person vs. System
The most common mistake is using 'desmayar' for abstract things like economies or organizations. Remember, 'desmayar' relates to a loss of personal resolve or courage, while 'tambalear' describes a loss of stability or strength in a system or entity.
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