faltar a clase
/faltaɾ a klase/from spelling rules
To say miss class in Spanish, use faltar a clase.
faltar a clase means to be absent from a lesson. The verb faltar literally means to be absent or to be lacking, which is why it is the standard verb for missing a scheduled event like a class.
What does it mean word for word?
faltar means to be absent, a means to or from here and clase means class.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can say faltar a clase about classes in general or faltar a la clase about a specific class. For the past, use the preterite, as in faltó a clase, he or she missed class.
How do you pronounce it?
In faltar a clase the r of faltar is a single quick tap and every vowel is clear and short.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often say perder la clase to mean being absent, but perder suggests you lost the content or the chance. Use faltar for the act of not being there.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, students use the slang phrases hacerse la pinta or tirar clase to specifically describe skipping class on purpose.
- The word clase is derived from the Latin classis, which originally described a fleet of ships or a group of citizens divided by wealth.
- The verb faltar is used not only for attendance but also to indicate a missing ingredient in a recipe, such as saying falta sal to mean 'salt is missing'.
Examples in context
- Quería informarles que no podré asistir a la clase de mañana debido a una cita médica. Lamentablemente, no podré estar presente.I wanted to let you know that I won't be able to attend tomorrow's class due to a medical appointment. Unfortunately, I won't be able to be present.
- ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de ponerme al día con las tareas que me he perdido?What is the best way to catch up on the assignments I've missed?
- Chicos, siento mucho no poder ir a la clase de hoy.Guys, I'm really sorry I can't go to today's class.
- No quiero faltar a clase hoy.I do not want to miss class today.
- Él suele faltar a clase los lunes.He usually misses class on Mondays.
- ¿Por qué vas a faltar a clase?Why are you going to miss class?
Example conversation
Two students are talking in the hallway.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿vas a faltar a clase hoy?Alejandro, are you going to miss class today?
- AlejandroSí, María, me siento muy mal.Yes, María, I feel very sick.
- MaríaQué mal, espero que te mejores pronto.That's too bad, I hope you feel better soon.
- AlejandroGracias, yo te pido los apuntes después.Thanks, I'll ask you for the notes later.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, clase, faltar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
