funcionaba
/foon-syo-NAH-bah/
was working
The fan was working and blowing air.
funcionaba(verb)
was working
?referring to a machine or device
,used to work
?a habit or state in the past
was running
?referring to a motor or engine
,functioned
?describing how something operated
📝 In Action
Mi viejo reloj funcionaba perfectamente ayer.
A2My old watch was working perfectly yesterday.
Antes, la televisión no funcionaba sin antena.
A2Before, the television didn't use to work without an antenna.
Yo no sabía que la calefacción no funcionaba.
B1I didn't know the heating wasn't working.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Was Doing' Past Form
Funcionaba is the 'imperfect' form of the verb. Use it to describe things that were already happening in the background or things that used to be true over a long period.
One Word, Two People
This specific form 'funcionaba' is used for both 'I' (yo) and 'he/she/it/you formal' (él/ella/usted). Context usually tells you who is being talked about.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Two Past Tenses
Mistake: "Using 'funcionó' when you mean 'funcionaba'."
Correction: Use 'funcionó' if something worked once and then stopped. Use 'funcionaba' to describe the state of something (e.g., 'the computer was working when I left').
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Old Tech
When talking about how things 'used to be' in the old days, 'funcionaba' is your go-to word for gadgets and systems.
The plan to build the bridge was effective and it held the weight.
funcionaba(verb)
was effective
?referring to a plan, idea, or method
was doing the trick
?informal success
📝 In Action
Esa estrategia funcionaba muy bien el año pasado.
B1That strategy was working very well last year.
⭐ Usage Tips
Abstract Success
You can use 'funcionaba' for abstract things like a diet, a plan, or even a relationship.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: funcionaba
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence means 'The printer used to work'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'funcionaba' mean 'I' or 'It'?
It can mean both! Without a name or a pronoun like 'yo' (I) or 'él' (he), you have to look at the rest of the conversation to know who is being talked about.
Can I use 'funcionaba' for a person working at a job?
No. For people working a job, use 'trabajaba'. 'Funcionaba' is only for machines, plans, or systems.