Spanish Conversation · Level 46
75 words
Spanish word
fallar
Pronunciation
IPA/faˈʝaɾ/
Meaning
- verbfail
Example
Temo fallar en el examen.
I'm afraid of failing the exam.
More examples
El motor del coche puede fallar en cualquier momento.
The car's engine may fail at any moment.
Core concept
A missed target.
Common phrases
fallar en un examen
fail an exam
fallar en el intento
fail in an attempt
fallar un tiro
miss a shot
Similar words
fracasar: Experience total failure of a plan or effort, especially for major or long-term projects.
suspender: Receive a failing result on an examination for not meeting the passing standard.
equivocarse: Err in judgment or behavior by choosing or stating something incorrect.
errar: Err in action or judgment, particularly when missing a literal or figurative target.
Definition in Spanish
Errar en un intento o no cumplir una expectativa; también referirse a causar decepción o a un fallo técnico.
Word origin
From Latin fallere 'to deceive', Spanish fallar has a core sense 'to miss or err' and also covers 'to disappoint someone' and mechanical failure.
Usage tips
- Fallar appears as fallar en + noun or infinitive to indicate failing at something and as fallar a alguien to mean letting someone down, and it does not mean 'to fall down'.