¿cuánto nos falta?
/ˈkwanto nos ˈfalta/word by word
The Spanish phrase for "how far are we?" is ¿cuánto nos falta?
¿cuánto nos falta? is a versatile phrase used to ask about both the physical distance remaining or the amount of time left before reaching a destination.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "how much is lacking to us?"
Which one should you use?
While ¿cuánto nos falta? is a standard way to ask, you may also encounter ¿cuánto falta para llegar?, which means "how much is left to arrive?"
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the verb faltar is used to express the distance or time that is remaining.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkwanto nos ˈfalta/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the verb faltar is used not just for distance, but to express that someone is missed. Saying me faltas means 'I miss you' by suggesting your presence is lacking.
- While ¿cuánto nos falta? is used for travel, the same verb faltar is used in sports to describe a 'foul'. A player is penalized for a falta because they failed to follow the rules.
- The word falta is a distant relative of the English word 'fault', both originating from the Latin 'fallere' meaning 'to deceive' or 'to fail'.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are in a car on a road trip.
- LucíaTengo hambre. ¿Cuánto nos falta?I'm hungry. How far are we?
- AlejandroFaltan unos veinte minutos.About twenty minutes left.
- Lucía¿Estás seguro, Alejandro?Are you sure, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, ya casi llegamos.Yes, we are almost there.
