funciona
“funciona” means “it works” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
it works
Also: it functions, it runs
📝 In Action
Mi teléfono no funciona.
A1My phone doesn't work.
¿Funciona el aire acondicionado?
A1Does the air conditioning work?
El sistema funciona perfectamente.
A2The system works perfectly.
it works
Also: it's effective, it works out
📝 In Action
Tu idea funciona, ¡es genial!
B1Your idea works, it's brilliant!
La nueva estrategia de marketing funciona muy bien.
B1The new marketing strategy is working very well.
Nuestra relación ya no funciona.
B2Our relationship isn't working anymore.
it serves as
Also: it acts as
📝 In Action
Esta caja funciona como una mesa pequeña.
B2This box serves as a small table.
En el proyecto, él funciona como el líder del equipo.
B2In the project, he acts as the team leader.
El sofá también funciona como cama.
B1The sofa also functions as a bed.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "funciona" in Spanish:
it functions→it runs→it works→it's effective→operates→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: funciona
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'funciona' to talk about a plan or idea, NOT a machine?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'functio', which meant 'a performance, an execution'. Think of it as a thing 'performing' its job correctly. It's related to English words like 'function' and 'defunct'.
First recorded: 18th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'funciona' and 'trabaja'?
It's simple: 'funciona' is for things (machines, plans, ideas), and 'trabaja' is for people (or animals) doing a job. A car 'funciona', but a mechanic 'trabaja'.
How do I say 'it worked' in the past?
You use 'funcionó'. For example, 'Ayer, mi teléfono no funcionó' (Yesterday, my phone didn't work). If it was working over a period of time in the past, you'd use 'funcionaba'.
Can I use 'funciona' for a part of the body?
Yes, absolutely! You can say 'Mi corazón funciona bien' (My heart works well) or 'Después de la operación, su riñón funciona perfectamente' (After the operation, his kidney works perfectly).