What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'it does not make a lack' or 'it does not make a need'.
Which one should you use?
While no es necesario is a direct translation of 'it is not necessary', no hace falta is a more common, idiomatic way to express that something is unneeded in daily conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can use this phrase in two ways depending on the structure of your sentence. If you are making a general statement or the subject is the same as the implied subject, follow the phrase directly with an infinitive verb, such as no hace falta + [infinitive]. If you want to express that there is no need for a specific person to do something, use the conjunction que followed by the subjunctive mood, as in no hace falta que + [subjunctive].
How do you pronounce it?
/no aθe falta/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, hacer falta can be used to express that you miss someone, meaning they are 'lacking' in your life.
- The word falta is also used in sports like football or basketball to describe a 'foul'.
- The word falta in no hace falta is a distant relative of the English word 'fault'.
Examples in context
- No hace falta ser gentil.There's no need to be gentle.This sentence shows how to use no hace falta with an infinitive.Tatoeba #1901393 by marcelostockle, translation #1898160 by CK
- No hace falta que trabaje.There is no need for him to work.This sentence demonstrates the use of no hace falta with the subjunctive.Tatoeba #1359651 by Shishir, translation #284064 by CK
- No hace falta disculparse.There's no need to apologize.This sentence illustrates using no hace falta with an infinitive.Tatoeba #1707612 by marcelostockle, translation #448957 by CK
- No es necesario que traiga su propio bolígrafo.There is no need for you to bring your own pen.
- No hace falta que se preocupe, estamos trabajando en una solución.There is no need for you to worry, we are working on a solution.
- Esta tarea no requiere mucho tiempo, no se preocupe.This task doesn't require much time, don't worry.
- No hace falta que me compres un regalo.There's no need for you to buy me a gift.
- No es necesario que traigas nada a la fiesta.There is no need for you to bring anything to the party.
- No es necesario, gracias.There is no need, thank you.
- No hace falta, ya fui esta mañana.There is no need, I went this morning.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro offers to drive Sofia home.
- AlejandroTe puedo llevar a casa en coche.I can drive you home.
- SofíaNo hace falta, voy a caminar.No need, I'm going to walk.
- Alejandro¿Estás segura, Sofía?Are you sure, Sofia?
- SofíaSí, no hace falta que te preocupes.Yes, there's no need for you to worry.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries falta, hace, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
