Signification
To feel the absence of a person or thing.
Contexte culturel
In Catalonia, this phrase is so ubiquitous that many speakers are unaware it is considered a regionalism in the rest of Spain. In most of Latin America, 'extrañar' is the only common term. 'Encontrar a faltar' might be understood but sounds like a literal translation from another language. Similar to Catalonia, the influence of the Catalan dialect (Mallorquín, Menorquín) makes this phrase standard in the islands. People in Madrid will use 'echar de menos'. If they hear 'encontrar a faltar', they will immediately identify the speaker as being from the East.
Regional Pride
Using this in Barcelona will make you sound very integrated into the local culture.
Object vs. Person
Don't use this for a lost wallet; it sounds like you are in love with your wallet.
Signification
To feel the absence of a person or thing.
Regional Pride
Using this in Barcelona will make you sound very integrated into the local culture.
Object vs. Person
Don't use this for a lost wallet; it sounds like you are in love with your wallet.
The 'Personal A'
Always remember 'Encuentro a faltar A mi madre'. Without the 'a', it's grammatically incomplete.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'encontrar' to complete the regional expression.
Desde que vivo en Madrid, _________ a faltar el mar de Barcelona.
The subject is 'yo' (I), so the verb 'encontrar' changes to 'encuentro'.
Which sentence uses the 'personal a' correctly?
Choose the correct way to say 'I miss my friend'.
You need 'a' for the expression and another 'a' because the object is a person.
Match the phrase to the most likely speaker.
Who would most naturally say: '¡Os encuentro mucho a faltar, tíos!'
The phrase is a regionalism from Catalonia and 'tíos' is a common informal address in Spain.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Qué tal el viaje? B: Bien, pero ________ a faltar mi almohada.
The imperfect 'encontraba' is used to describe a continuous feeling during the trip.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Encontrar a faltar vs. Echar en falta
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDesde que vivo en Madrid, _________ a faltar el mar de Barcelona.
The subject is 'yo' (I), so the verb 'encontrar' changes to 'encuentro'.
Choose the correct way to say 'I miss my friend'.
You need 'a' for the expression and another 'a' because the object is a person.
Who would most naturally say: '¡Os encuentro mucho a faltar, tíos!'
The phrase is a regionalism from Catalonia and 'tíos' is a common informal address in Spain.
A: ¿Qué tal el viaje? B: Bien, pero ________ a faltar mi almohada.
The imperfect 'encontraba' is used to describe a continuous feeling during the trip.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it is a recognized regional variation. While not the 'standard' for all countries, it is correct in its geographical context.
Yes, people will understand you, but they will know you have a Catalan influence in your speech.
'Extrañar' is used in Latin America; 'encontrar a faltar' is used in Northeast Spain. They mean the same thing emotionally.
No, only 'encontrar' is conjugated. 'Faltar' stays in the infinitive.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a respectful conversation with an older person.
It comes from the idea of 'finding' a gap where something should be.
No, that's a common mistake. It's either 'Te echo de menos' or 'Te encuentro a faltar'.
Rarely, unless you are talking about missing a colleague who left the company.
Yes, but usually only if you have an emotional attachment to them (like your home or a favorite food).
It's common in both within the Catalan-speaking regions.
Te encontraré a faltar.
Not directly from this phrase. You would use 'la falta' or 'la ausencia'.
Yes, it is very much alive in the speech of young people in Catalonia.
Absolutely, it's very romantic and sincere.
Expressions liées
echar de menos
synonymTo miss (standard Spain)
extrañar
synonymTo miss (standard Americas)
echar en falta
similarTo notice an absence
añorar
specialized formTo long for
hacer falta
builds onTo be necessary/missing
