no funciona
/no funθjona/from spelling rules
The English phrase "doesn't work" is translated into Spanish as no funciona.
This phrase is used both for mechanical/electronic failure and for abstract concepts like a plan or a theory.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the negation no and the third-person singular form of the verb funcionar (to function/work).
Which one should you use?
Use no funciona for a single object or person, and no funcionan for multiple objects or people.
Is it said differently in some regions?
No sirve is common in many Latin American countries to convey that something doesn't work or isn't useful. No jala is an informal expression mainly used in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, to refer to the malfunction of devices or machines.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes to no funcionan if the subject is plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/no funθjona/
Did you know?
- While no funciona is universal, in Mexico the slang no jala literally means 'it doesn't pull'. This treats a malfunctioning machine like a stubborn animal that refuses to be pulled forward.
- In some Latin American contexts, no sirve can be a harsher critique than no funciona. While the latter suggests a mechanical failure, no sirve can imply the object is useless or garbage.
- Spanish speakers often use funcionar to describe a social chemistry or a relationship, such as saying a couple no funciona. In English, we would more likely say they are 'not working out'.
Examples in context
- El otro no funciona.The other one doesn't work.This sentence is useful for saying that another one doesn't work.Tatoeba #1022225 by Shishir, translation #819210 by CM
- El reloj no funciona.The watch doesn't work.This sentence is useful for saying that a watch doesn't work.Tatoeba #642346 by Leono, translation #428076 by witbrock
- La radio no funciona.The radio doesn't work.This sentence is useful for saying that a radio doesn't work.Tatoeba #1410020 by marcelostockle, translation #29785 by CK
- El teléfono no funciona correctamente. Necesito ayuda.The phone doesn't work properly. I need help.
- La aplicación no corre en mi teléfono nuevo.The app doesn't run on my new phone.
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo is trying to use a broken printer at home.
- MateoLucía, la impresora no funciona.Lucía, the printer doesn't work.
- Lucía¿Es un problema de conexión?Is it a connection problem?
- MateoNo, creo que no tiene tinta.No, I think it has no ink.
- LucíaEntonces, no funcionará hasta que la cambies.Then, it won't work until you change it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
