funcionan
foo-nyo-nan
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¿Los frenos del coche funcionan bien?
A1Do the car brakes work well?
Dicen que los nuevos sistemas de seguridad funcionan mucho mejor.
A2They say the new security systems function much better.
Aunque la batería está baja, las luces todavía funcionan.
B1Even though the battery is low, the lights still work.
💡 Grammar Points
Who is 'funcionan'?
This form is used when the subject is plural: 'ellos' (they, masculine/mixed group), 'ellas' (they, feminine group), or 'ustedes' (you all, formal).
Regular -AR Verb
Since 'funcionar' is a regular '-ar' verb, it follows the most common conjugation pattern in Spanish, making it easy to predict its forms in other tenses.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Working vs. Functioning
Mistake: "Misusing 'trabajan' (they work) for objects."
Correction: 'Trabajar' is usually for people's jobs. For machines, plans, or systems, use 'funcionan': 'Los robots funcionan' (The robots work), not 'trabajan'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for abstract concepts
You can use 'funcionar' for abstract things like ideas, plans, or relationships: 'Nuestras ideas funcionan juntas' (Our ideas work together).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: funcionan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'funcionan'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use 'funcionan' instead of 'trabajan'?
Use 'funcionan' when you are talking about objects, machines, processes, or systems performing their tasks (e.g., 'The computers work'). Use 'trabajan' when you are talking about people having a job or exerting effort (e.g., 'The employees work').
Is 'funcionan' formal or informal?
The word itself is neutral. However, if the subject is 'ustedes' (you all), it is the formal way to address a group. If the subject is 'ellos' or 'ellas' (they), it is simply a descriptive statement.