Meaning
To feel sadness because someone or something is absent.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'echar de menos' is the standard. Using 'extrañar' might make people think you've been watching too many Mexican soap operas. In most of Latin America, 'extrañar' is much more common. 'Echar de menos' sounds very 'Peninsular' (from Spain). In Galicia, you might hear 'morriña,' a specific type of 'echar de menos' related to missing one's homeland.
The 'A' Rule
Always use 'a' before a person's name: 'Echo de menos a Juan'.
No 'the'
Do not say 'Echo de el menos'. It is always 'de menos'.
Meaning
To feel sadness because someone or something is absent.
The 'A' Rule
Always use 'a' before a person's name: 'Echo de menos a Juan'.
No 'the'
Do not say 'Echo de el menos'. It is always 'de menos'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'echar' in the present tense.
Yo ____ de menos a mis amigos.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb 'echar' must be in the first person singular.
Which sentence is correct to say 'I miss the beach'?
Select the correct option:
'Echar de menos' is used for emotional longing, not 'perder' (losing) or 'fallar' (failing).
Match the Spanish phrase with its English meaning.
Match them:
The pronouns (te, lo, me) indicate who or what is being missed.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: 'Me voy a vivir a Japón.' María: '¡Qué pena! Te ____ de menos.'
Since he is going in the future, the future tense 'echaré' is most natural, though 'echo' could work in some contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo ____ de menos a mis amigos.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb 'echar' must be in the first person singular.
Select the correct option:
'Echar de menos' is used for emotional longing, not 'perder' (losing) or 'fallar' (failing).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The pronouns (te, lo, me) indicate who or what is being missed.
Juan: 'Me voy a vivir a Japón.' María: '¡Qué pena! Te ____ de menos.'
Since he is going in the future, the future tense 'echaré' is most natural, though 'echo' could work in some contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is very common to use it to say you miss someone who has passed away.
Use 'a' if you miss a specific person. Don't use it for objects.
It is understood, but 'extrañar' is much more natural there.
Related Phrases
Echar en falta
similarTo notice something is missing.
Hacer falta
synonymTo be necessary / To be missed.
Añorar
specialized formTo long for the past.
