Using 'trabajar' for machines

'Funciona' most often means 'it works' for a single thing (el teléfono funciona). But it's also the verb form for 'he works,' 'she works,' and the formal 'you work' (usted funciona). The conversation will tell you if it's a person or a thing.

Who is 'funciona' talking about?

If you're talking about more than one thing, just add an 'n' at the end: 'Las luces no funcionan' (The lights don't work).

Making it plural

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn for talking about machines and devices.

Think of 'funciona' for anything that produces a desired result, not just mechanical things. It can be a diet, a study method, a team, or a relationship.

Beyond Machines

Very common for talking about abstract things like plans, ideas, and relationships.

This meaning almost always uses the word 'como' (as/like) right after it. When you see 'funciona como...', it likely means something is serving a specific role or purpose.

Look for 'como'

A more advanced use, helpful for describing an object's alternative purpose or a person's temporary role.

Learn the complete meaning of 'funciona' in Spanish. See examples for how it means 'it works' for machines, plans, and ideas. Full conjugation charts for 'funcionar' included.

funciona

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations