Inklingo

How to Say "to flunk" in Spanish

English → Spanish

suspender

soos-pen-DEHRsuspenˈdeɾ

verbA2informal
Use 'suspender' when talking about failing a specific exam or a course in a school or academic context, especially in Spain.
A sad student sitting at a wooden desk with a paper showing a large red cross mark.

Examples

He suspendido el examen de conducir.

I failed my driving test.

El profesor suspendió a media clase.

The teacher failed half the class.

Si no estudias, vas a suspender matemáticas.

If you don't study, you're going to fail math.

Failing a Person vs. a Test

When a teacher fails a student, use the 'personal a': 'El profesor suspendió a Juan.' When you just mention the test, don't use 'a': 'Juan suspendió el examen.'

Using 'fail' like English

Mistake: “El examen suspendió.”

Correction: He suspendido el examen. In Spanish, the person is the one who performs the action of failing the test.

fallar

fah-YARfaˈʝaɾ

verbA2informal
Use 'fallar' to indicate that you failed an exam or test, often implying a mistake or a lack of success, and it can be used more broadly than just school.
A small, stylized runner sitting sadly just before a finish line ribbon, indicating failure to complete the race.

Examples

Fallé el examen de conducir por un punto.

I failed the driving test by one point.

No puedes fallarme esta vez; necesito tu ayuda.

You can't let me down this time; I need your help.

Si fallas en tu intento, vuelve a empezar.

If you fail in your attempt, start again.

Regular AR Verb

This verb is easy! It follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar, meaning you don't have to worry about tricky stem changes.

Mixing up 'fallar' and 'faltar'

Mistake: “Using 'Falté el examen' (I was absent from the exam) when you mean 'Fallé el examen' (I failed the exam).”

Correction: 'Faltar' means 'to be missing' or 'to be absent.' Use 'fallar' specifically for not succeeding.

Choosing Between 'Suspender' and 'Fallar'

Learners often confuse 'suspender' and 'fallar' for failing exams. While both are common, 'suspender' is more specific to academic failure (especially in Spain), whereas 'fallar' can imply a more general mistake or lack of success on any kind of test.

Related Translations

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