faltarse

Faltarse is the reflexive form of the Spanish verb faltar. It is used mainly in expressions that convey failing to meet a commitment, obligation, or scheduled event. In these contexts, faltarse emphasizes that someone did not comply with what was agreed or expected, often with a sense of personal fault or neglect. It is commonly used with phrases such as faltar a, a lo que one has promised, like a cita, compromiso, promesa, or deber.

Common senses and examples:

- Missing an appointment or failing to attend: “Me falté a la cita.”

- Not keeping a commitment or obligation: “Se faltó al compromiso de entregar el informe.”

- Neglecting a duty or promise: “Faltarse al deber” or “faltarse a una promesa” (emphasizing not fulfilling what was promised).

Usage notes:

- In many cases, the non-reflexive faltar is more ordinary when expressing absence or lack of something, as in “me falta dinero” (I’m short of money) or “faltan dos días” (two days remain). The reflexive faltarse tends to appear in contexts that stress breach of obligation or personal responsibility.

- The choice between faltar and faltarse can reflect regional preference and the speaker’s emphasis on personal responsibility for the action.

See also:

- Faltar, to be absent or lacking

- Cita, compromiso, promesa, deber, to understand typical objects that pair with faltar/faltarse

Etymology:

- Faltarse derives from faltar, itself from Latin famulari? (noting the general lineage of faltar as “to be lacking” or “to be missing” in Spanish).