fazer falta

The grammar is a bit backwards for English speakers. The person or thing that is missing is the subject. For example, Você me faz falta literally means 'You make lack to me.' You can use it for people, objects, or even abstract concepts like 'time' or 'money.' Just remember to conjugate the verb fazer to match the thing that is missing. If it's plural, use fazem.

Use it when you want to be sincere. It works perfectly when texting a friend you haven't seen in weeks. Use it at work when a key colleague is on vacation and everything is falling apart. You can even use it at a restaurant if the waiter forgets the napkins. It sounds natural in almost any setting where something is noticeably absent. It is the 'I need this' phrase with more soul.

Don't use it for things you simply want but don't actually miss. If you see a cool car, you don't say it faz falta unless you used to own one. It is also not a substitute for 'I lost my keys.' You only use it once you realize the consequence of them being gone. Avoid using it in very cold, legal documents where 'ausência' (absence) is preferred.

Portuguese speakers value presence and community deeply. This phrase reflects that. In Brazil and Portugal, being part of the group is essential. When you tell someone they faz falta, you are validating their importance to the group dynamic. It is a cousin to the famous word saudade. While saudade is the feeling, fazer falta is the practical reality of that feeling.

In Brazil, you might hear fazer uma falta danada to mean someone is 'terribly missed.' You can also say fazer muita falta for emphasis. Sometimes people use it sarcastically. If an annoying person leaves the room, someone might whisper, 'Não vai fazer falta nenhuma' (They won't be missed at all). Use that one carefully!