fallar
To be unsuccessful; to break down or malfunction.
Fallar is the universal verb for when something or someone fails to meet expectations or stops functioning.
Mot en 30 secondes
- To fail or be unsuccessful in an attempt
- To break down or stop working properly
- To miss a target or make a mistake
Summary
Fallar is the universal verb for when something or someone fails to meet expectations or stops functioning.
- To fail or be unsuccessful in an attempt
- To break down or stop working properly
- To miss a target or make a mistake
Use fallar for both machines and people
Remember that you can use this word for both mechanical failure and personal failure. It is very versatile.
Avoid confusing with missing items
Do not use fallar for losing something. Use 'perder' for losing objects and 'fallar' only for failing to achieve a goal.
Sports commentary usage
In soccer, you will hear 'fallar' constantly when a player misses a shot. It is a standard term in all Spanish-speaking countries.
Exemples
4 sur 4El sistema informático falló durante la reunión.
The computer system failed during the meeting.
No debemos fallar en nuestro compromiso con los clientes.
We must not fail in our commitment to the clients.
¡Qué pena, fallaste el tiro!
What a shame, you missed the shot!
El experimento falló debido a errores en la medición.
The experiment failed due to measurement errors.
Famille de mots
Astuce mémo
Think of a 'fall' (fallar) in a system. When a system falls, it stops working properly.
Overview
El verbo 'fallar' es fundamental en el español cotidiano. Su significado principal es la falta de éxito o la interrupción del funcionamiento normal de algo. Es un verbo regular de la primera conjugación (-ar), lo que facilita su aprendizaje inicial. 2) Usage Patterns: Se utiliza frecuentemente con objetos (el coche falló) o con acciones humanas (fallé el tiro). Puede usarse de forma intransitiva o transitiva dependiendo del contexto. Por ejemplo, 'el motor falló' (intransitivo) frente a 'fallar un examen' (transitivo). 3) Common Contexts: Es muy común en contextos deportivos, mecánicos y académicos. Se emplea para indicar que alguien no cumplió con una expectativa o que un sistema tecnológico ha tenido un error. 4) Similar Words comparison: A diferencia de 'errar', que suele implicar una equivocación más precisa o un fallo de puntería, 'fallar' tiene un espectro mucho más amplio que abarca desde la rotura de una máquina hasta la decepción personal o el fracaso en un intento.
Notes d'usage
Fallar is a neutral verb used in almost all registers. In professional settings, it is commonly used to describe technical errors. In personal relationships, it carries an emotional weight when used with 'a' (fallar a alguien).
Erreurs courantes
Learners often use 'fallar' when they mean 'perder' (to lose). Remember that 'perder' is for objects and 'fallar' is for performance or function. Also, ensure subject-verb agreement.
Astuce mémo
Think of a 'fall' (fallar) in a system. When a system falls, it stops working properly.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Latin 'fallere', which means to deceive or to fail. It has maintained this core meaning of missing the mark throughout history.
Contexte culturel
In Spanish culture, 'no fallar' is a high compliment, meaning someone is reliable and consistent. It is a key trait highly valued in social and professional circles.
Exemples
El sistema informático falló durante la reunión.
everydayThe computer system failed during the meeting.
No debemos fallar en nuestro compromiso con los clientes.
formalWe must not fail in our commitment to the clients.
¡Qué pena, fallaste el tiro!
informalWhat a shame, you missed the shot!
El experimento falló debido a errores en la medición.
academicThe experiment failed due to measurement errors.
Famille de mots
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
sin fallar
without fail
fallar el blanco
to miss the target
no me falles
don't let me down
Souvent confondu avec
Errar is often used for mistakes in judgment or aim, while fallar is broader and covers mechanical failure.
Fracasar is specifically about failing at a major goal or project, whereas fallar can be a small, temporary error.
Modèles grammaticaux
Use fallar for both machines and people
Remember that you can use this word for both mechanical failure and personal failure. It is very versatile.
Avoid confusing with missing items
Do not use fallar for losing something. Use 'perder' for losing objects and 'fallar' only for failing to achieve a goal.
Sports commentary usage
In soccer, you will hear 'fallar' constantly when a player misses a shot. It is a standard term in all Spanish-speaking countries.
Teste-toi
Completa la frase con la forma correcta de fallar.
El motor de mi coche ___ ayer en la autopista.
El sujeto es 'el motor' (tercera persona del singular).
Elige el significado correcto de fallar en esta frase: 'No quiero fallarte'.
No quiero fallarte.
En este contexto, fallar a alguien significa decepcionarlo.
Ordena las palabras para formar una frase.
el / falló / examen / Juan
La estructura sujeto-verbo-objeto es la más natural.
Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsSe usa para indicar que algo se ha roto o no funciona como debería. Por ejemplo, 'Mi ordenador ha fallado esta mañana'.
Son similares, pero 'equivocarse' implica un error de juicio o de cálculo. 'Fallar' es más general y puede referirse a un resultado negativo o a una avería.
Sí, en contextos personales se usa para decir que alguien no cumplió con una promesa. 'No quiero fallarte' significa 'I don't want to let you down'.
Significa que un jugador intentó marcar pero no lo logró. Es un uso muy común en el ámbito deportivo.
Grammaire lie
Expressions liées
Vocabulaire associé
Plus de mots sur general
abajo
A1Down, downstairs, below.
abandonar
B1To leave a place or person, often permanently.
abierta
A1Open (female); not closed or restricted.
abierto
A1Open.
abierto/a
A2Not closed or sealed; open.
Abrir
A1To open
absolutamente
A2Completely, totally, or without qualification.
abstención
B2Abstention, the act of refraining from voting or participation.
abstenerse
B2To abstain, refrain, or hold oneself back from doing something.
Abundancia
B2A large quantity or ample supply of something; plentifulness.
