Whether you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or simply want to communicate with Spanish speakers, learning how to express that something doesn’t work is a vital skill. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to convey this idea in both formal and informal contexts. While we’ll primarily focus on standard Spanish, we’ll also highlight regional variations whenever necessary to provide you with a well-rounded understanding. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
In formal situations or when addressing someone with respect, it’s important to use proper etiquette. Here are a few ways to say “it doesn’t work” formally:
1. No funciona
This is the most common and straightforward way to express that something doesn’t work. The verb “funcionar” means “to work” or “to function.” For instance, if you want to say “The computer doesn’t work,” you can say “La computadora no funciona.”
2. No está funcionando
If you want to emphasize that something is currently not functioning, you can use this phrase. For example, “El televisor no está funcionando” means “The television isn’t working.”
3. No marcha
“Marchar” is another verb that can be used to convey the idea of something not working. While less common than “funcionar,” it is still understood by Spanish speakers. For instance, “El reloj no marcha” means “The watch doesn’t work.”
Informal Expressions
When speaking with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use more relaxed language. Here are some informal phrases to say “it doesn’t work”:
1. No jala
This phrase is commonly used in Mexico to mean “it doesn’t work” or “it doesn’t pull.” It is widely understood in informal contexts. For example, “El carro no jala” means “The car doesn’t work.”
2. No anda
In many Latin American countries, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, people use the verb “andar” to express that something isn’t working. For instance, “El horno no anda” means “The oven doesn’t work.”
3. No sirve
Another common phrase, “no sirve,” is widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions. It literally means “it doesn’t serve” but is used to convey that something doesn’t work. For example, if your phone isn’t working, you can say “El teléfono no sirve.”
Tips and Examples
Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal expressions, let’s delve deeper with some tips and examples to help you navigate different scenarios:
In a Restaurant
If something doesn’t work while dining out, such as a blender or card machine, you can say:
No funciona la batidora (The blender doesn’t work)
No está funcionando el datáfono (The card machine isn’t working)
In a Hotel
If you encounter an issue with equipment or facilities at a hotel, you can use phrases like:
La televisión no marcha (The television doesn’t work)
El aire acondicionado no está funcionando (The air conditioning isn’t working)
With Technological Devices
When something electronic fails, try these expressions:
El Internet no jala (The internet doesn’t work)
El mouse no funciona (The mouse doesn’t work)
Regarding Vehicles
If you experience issues with transportation, you can articulate the problem as follows:
El coche no anda (The car doesn’t work)
La bicicleta no sirve (The bicycle doesn’t work)
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “it doesn’t work” in Spanish is crucial for effective communication. In formal settings, phrases like “no funciona” or “no está funcionando” are appropriate, while in informal contexts, “no jala,” “no anda,” or “no sirve” are commonly used. Remember to adapt your language depending on the region you’re in. The next time something malfunctions, you’ll be confident in your ability to express the issue in Spanish!
