funcionar
“funcionar” means “to work” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to work, to operate
Also: to run
📝 In Action
¿Funciona el aire acondicionado?
A1Does the air conditioning work?
Mi teléfono dejó de funcionar ayer.
A2My phone stopped working yesterday.
La nueva aplicación funciona muy rápido.
A2The new app operates very quickly.
to function, to perform
Also: to be effective
📝 In Action
El departamento de ventas funciona mejor ahora que tienen un nuevo líder.
B1The sales department functions better now that they have a new leader.
El nuevo sistema de transporte público funciona con gran eficiencia.
B2The new public transport system operates with great efficiency.
to work out, to succeed
📝 In Action
Intentamos el negocio, pero simplemente no funcionó.
B2We tried the business, but it simply didn't work out/succeed.
Si este plan no funciona, tendremos que buscar otra solución.
B2If this plan doesn't work (succeed), we will have to look for another solution.
Dicen que las relaciones a larga distancia pueden funcionar.
C1They say that long-distance relationships can work (be successful).
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "funcionar" in Spanish:
to function→to operate→to perform→to run→to succeed→to work→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: funcionar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'funcionar' in its abstract meaning (to succeed)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *functio*, meaning 'performance' or 'execution.' The Spanish verb form simply adds the common '-ar' ending to turn the action into a verb.
First recorded: 14th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'funcionar' and 'servir'?
'Funcionar' means 'to operate' or 'to work' (Is it running?). 'Servir' means 'to serve a purpose' or 'to be useful' (Does it help?). For example, a broken phone 'no funciona' (it doesn't operate), but a tiny phone charger 'no sirve' (it's not useful/effective for my tablet).
Can I use 'funcionar' with people?
Yes, but usually only in the sense of performing a role or duty, like 'Ella funciona como jefa' (She acts as the boss). For a person's physical health, you might say 'Sus riñones funcionan bien' (His kidneys function well).