funcionando
“funcionando” means “working” in Spanish (currently operating).
working, functioning
Also: running
📝 In Action
El ascensor no está funcionando. Usa las escaleras.
A2The elevator is not working. Use the stairs.
Mi teléfono ha estado funcionando muy lento desde la actualización.
B1My phone has been functioning very slowly since the update.
La nueva estrategia está funcionando mejor de lo que esperábamos.
B2The new strategy is working better than we expected.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: funcionando
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'funcionando' to describe an ongoing action?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *fungi*, meaning 'to perform, execute, or discharge duties.' The Spanish verb *funcionar* was formed from the noun *función* (function, duty).
First recorded: 15th century (as *función*)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use 'funcionando' instead of just 'funciona'?
Use 'funcionando' (with 'estar') when you want to emphasize that the action is happening *right now* or continuously over a period of time (e.g., 'It is working now'). Use 'funciona' (simple present tense) for facts or habitual actions (e.g., 'It usually works well').
Can I use 'funcionando' without 'estar'?
Yes, but it's less common. When used alone or with other verbs (like *seguir*), 'funcionando' acts like an adverb, describing how an action is performed. Example: 'Sigue funcionando a pesar de la lluvia' (It keeps working despite the rain).