ELONIO
Log inSign up

Faltan fichas en el tablero, por lo tanto, no podemos empezar.

Faltan fichas en el tablero, por lo tanto, no podemos empezar.
Pieces are missing on the board, therefore we cannot start.
From Lesson 198:Result connectors (así que, por lo tanto)·Spanish (Latin America)

Questions & Answers about Faltan fichas en el tablero, por lo tanto, no podemos empezar.

How is por lo tanto different from así que in this sentence?
Both are consecutive connectors linking a cause (missing pieces) to an effect (we can't start). Por lo tanto is a bit more formal, like "therefore" or "consequently" in English. Así que is more casual, like saying "so". Both work perfectly in this situation!
Why does the sentence start with the plural verb faltan?
The verb faltar (to be missing / to lack) works a lot like gustar. Its subject is the thing that is missing. Since the missing things are fichas (plural), the verb must be the plural faltan. It is very common in Spanish to put the subject after the verb for words like this.
Why are there commas around por lo tanto?
When you use a multi-word connector like por lo tanto (therefore) or sin embargo (however) to link two independent phrases, it is standard punctuation in Spanish to set it off with commas, or to use a semicolon before it and a comma after it.
Could I say faltan piezas instead of faltan fichas?
Yes, but they have slightly different uses. Fichas specifically refers to flat game tokens, checkers, dominoes, or chips used on a tablero (board). Piezas is a broader word that you would use for 3D chess pieces (piezas de ajedrez) or jigsaw puzzle pieces (piezas de un rompecabezas).

Learn Faltan fichas en el tablero, por lo tanto, no podemos empezar and more in Spanish

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Spanish →