funciona
/funθjona/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'it works' is translated into Spanish as funciona.
The verb funcionar is used to describe whether a machine, a system, a plan or a method is operational or effective. It is important to distinguish this from trabaja, which is used when a person is performing labor.
Which one should you use?
While funciona means 'it works' in the sense of being operational, it is distinct from trabaja, which means 'it works' in the sense of a person performing labor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Anda is an informal expression used in Latin America, and Rifa is a slang term used in Mexico.
How does it change in a sentence?
funciona is the third-person singular present indicative of the verb funcionar. To say 'they work' when referring to multiple objects or machines, use the plural form funcionan. To express the negative 'it doesn't work', place no directly before the verb: no funciona.
How do you pronounce it?
/funθjona/
Did you know?
- Using funcionar to describe a person would be a humorous insult. It implies the person is not a human being but a mechanical tool or a robot.
- In Mexico, the slang term rifa is used to say something 'works' or is cool. This word literally refers to a 'raffle' or 'lottery'.
- In many Latin American countries, you might hear someone say anda to mean 'it works', even though the verb literally means 'he or she walks'.
Examples in context
- ¿Así es cómo funciona?Is this how it works?This sentence is useful for asking how something works using funciona.Tatoeba #2266434 by marcelostockle, translation #1886889 by CK
- Apuesto a que funciona.I bet it works.This sentence is useful for expressing a bet that something funciona.Tatoeba #5137819 by don_ramon, translation #3818442 by CK
- Hemos probado que funciona.We've proven that it works.This sentence is useful for stating that something has been proven to funciona.Tatoeba #11835308 by Seael, translation #7113054 by CM
- El nuevo sistema de seguridad funciona correctamente.The new security system works properly.
- El equipo informático es operativo.The computer equipment is operational.
- La máquina está en funcionamiento.The machine is in operation.
- El teléfono celular funciona bien.The cell phone works well.
- ¿Cómo anda la lavadora?How is the washing machine working?
- El auto viejo ya no jala.The old car doesn't work anymore.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are testing a new kitchen appliance.
- Sofía¿Funciona la cafetera?Does the coffee maker work?
- MateoSí, funciona perfectamente.Yes, it works perfectly.
- SofíaQué bueno que funciona.I'm glad it works.
- MateoAhora podemos beber café.Now we can drink coffee.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
