sentir falta de
/sẽˈt͡ʃi(ʁ) ˈfaw.tɐ d͡ʒi/word by word
The English phrase 'miss' (to feel the absence of someone or something) is translated into Portuguese as sentir falta de. If unsure, use sentir falta de. Wiktionary also lists sentir saudade(s) de.
Meaning: to feel the absence of someone or something, to feel the want or need of (verb)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| sentir falta de | /sẽˈt͡ʃi(ʁ) ˈfaw.tɐ d͡ʒi/ (Brazil, word by word) |
| sentir saudade(s) de |
Sentir falta de is used to express missing someone or something. It can be applied to people, as well as to inanimate objects like a specific place or a certain type of food.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sentir falta de literally translates to 'to feel the lack of' something or someone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase sentir falta de, you must include the preposition de before the object that is being missed.
How do you pronounce it?
/sẽˈtʃi(ʁ) ˈfaw.tɐ dʒi/ (4 syllables, stress on the 2nd syllable)
Did you know?
- Portuguese speakers may use matar a saudade when they finally see the person they missed. This colorful expression literally means 'to kill the longing'.
- While sentir falta de is common, Portuguese has a unique, powerful noun called saudade that captures a deep, nostalgic longing. It is often described as one of the most beautiful words in the language because it expresses a feeling that English cannot capture with a single word.
- In Brazil, it is common to say estou com saudade to express that you miss someone. This literally means 'I am with longing', treating the emotion as a physical object one can possess.
Examples in context
- Você vai sentir falta dele.You'll miss him.This sentence shows how to use sentir falta de with a masculine pronoun.Tatoeba #8091262 by lucasmg123, translation #3911973 by CH
- Eu vou sentir falta de vocês.I'll miss you guys.This sentence demonstrates using sentir falta de with a plural second-person pronoun.Tatoeba #4872801 by bill, translation #2548768 by CK
- Tom vai sentir falta de Mary.Tom is going to miss Mary.This sentence illustrates using sentir falta de with a proper name.Tatoeba #6802987 by Ricardo14, translation #6220900 by CK
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Felipe are saying goodbye at the airport.
- JulianaEu vou sentir falta de você, Felipe.I am going to miss you, Felipe.
- FelipeEu também vou sentir falta de você, Juliana.I am going to miss you too, Juliana.
- JulianaPor favor, me ligue sempre.Please, call me all the time.
- FelipePode deixar, eu ligo.Don't worry, I will call.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “miss” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sentir, falta, de) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
