¿funciona?
The phrase "is it working?" in Spanish is translated as ¿funciona?
This phrase is used for machines, systems, software or even abstract ideas like a plan or a theory.
Which one should you use?
¿funciona? (does it work/is it functional?) is often used to ask about the general capability or state of a device, whereas ¿está funcionando? (is it working right now?) emphasizes the ongoing action of the process.
Did you know?
- If a plan is 'working' in the sense of being effective, a Spanish speaker might use the phrase está dando frutos, which literally means 'it is giving fruits'.
- While 'funciona' refers to a device's ability to operate, the word 'marchar' can also be used to ask if a situation or a machine is 'running' or 'going' well. You might hear someone ask '¿cómo marcha todo?' to mean 'how is everything working/going?'
- While funciona refers to machines or plans, Spanish speakers use trabaja when asking if a person is employed or currently performing a task.
Examples in context
- ¿Funciona el internet?Is the internet working?
Example conversation
Mateo is trying to fix a lamp for María.
- MateoYa terminé de arreglar la lámpara.I finished fixing the lamp.
- MaríaGracias, Mateo. ¿Funciona?Thanks, Mateo. Is it working?
- MateoSí, prueba a encenderla ahora.Yes, try turning it on now.
- María¡Sí, ya hay luz!Yes, there is light now!
