Spanish Phrase
Hace falta paciencia y buena técnica.
Meaning
The sentence states that both patience and good technique are required to succeed at a task. It emphasizes that lacking either will hinder progress.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving advice about learning a skill—whether it’s playing an instrument, cooking, sports, or studying. It works well in both formal and informal settings, especially when you want to stress the importance of two complementary qualities.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hacefaltapacienciaybuenatécnica
Hace falta
The impersonal construction 'Hace falta' means 'it is necessary' or 'there is a need for' and is followed by a singular noun.
Subject‑verb agreement
Even though the phrase refers to multiple items, the verb stays singular because 'falta' agrees with the impersonal subject, not the list.
Adjective placement
In Spanish, adjectives like 'buena' normally precede the noun they modify, matching gender and number.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cómo puedo mejorar mi guitarra?
How can I improve my guitar playing?
Hace falta paciencia y buena técnica.
Patience and good technique are needed.
✕Common Mistakes
Faltan paciencia y buena técnica.
The verb stays singular in the impersonal construction; 'faltan' would be used only if the subject itself were plural, e.g., 'Faltan los libros'.
Hay falta de paciencia y buena técnica.
While 'hay falta de' is grammatically possible, it sounds redundant and less natural than 'Hace falta'.
Hace falta paciencia y bueno técnica.
Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun; 'técnica' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'buena'.
↔Alternatives
Se necesita paciencia y buena técnica.
Patience and good technique are needed.
Es necesario tener paciencia y una buena técnica.
It is necessary to have patience and good technique.
Para lograrlo, se requiere paciencia y buena técnica.
To achieve it, patience and good technique are required.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking cultures, the idea of "paciencia" is linked to the proverb "La paciencia es una virtud" (Patience is a virtue). When discussing skill‑based activities—like cooking paella, dancing flamenco, or playing fútbol—people often stress that talent alone isn’t enough; disciplined practice (buena técnica) and the willingness to wait for results are equally valued.