funcione

/foo-see-OH-neh (Spain) / foo-nsee-OH-neh (Latin America)/

works

A brightly colored, simple storybook illustration of a small, cheerful mechanical toy robot successfully winding a spool of thread, demonstrating successful operation.

When expressing a wish or doubt about how something operates, funcione translates to 'works'.

funcione(Verb (Conjugated Form))

A2regular ar

works

when expressing a wish or doubt about how something operates

operates

referring to a machine or system

Also:

runs

referring to equipment

functions

formal usage

📝 In Action

Es necesario que el sistema funcione correctamente.

It is necessary that the system works correctly.

Dudo que esta batería funcione bien en el frío.

I doubt that this battery works well in the cold.

¡Que funcione la cafetera!

I hope the coffee machine works!

Word Connections

Synonyms

operar (to operate)
marchar (to run (a machine))

Common Collocations

que funcione bien – that it works well
funcione sin problemas – it functions without problems

💡 Grammar Points

The Subjunctive Mood

This 'funcione' form is used when the verb expresses uncertainty, emotion, desire, or necessity. English often uses 'that it works' or 'for it to work'.

Formal Command

When giving a polite, formal command to one person ('usted'), 'funcione' is the affirmative command: '¡Funcione ahora!' (Work now!).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive

Mistake: "Pienso que el programa funciona."

Correction: Pienso que el programa funcione. (If you express doubt or desire, you need the 'funcione' form.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Trigger Phrases

Look for phrases like 'Espero que' (I hope that), 'Quiero que' (I want that), or 'Es importante que' (It is important that) to know when you need to use 'funcione'.

A simplified illustration of two smiling cartoon figures celebrating with a high-five next to a small, freshly planted, vibrant green seedling, symbolizing a successful plan.

When referring to a plan or strategy, funcione translates to 'succeeds'.

funcione(Verb (Conjugated Form))

B1regular ar

succeeds

when talking about a plan or strategy

works out

referring to a relationship or arrangement

Also:

is effective

referring to an idea or method

📝 In Action

Ojalá que esta nueva estrategia funcione para todos.

Hopefully, this new strategy works out for everyone.

No estoy segura de que nuestra relación funcione a distancia.

I am not sure that our relationship works out long distance.

El jefe exige que cada persona funcione al 100%.

The boss demands that each person performs at 100%.

Word Connections

Synonyms

servir (to be useful)
tener éxito (to succeed)

Antonyms

fallar (to fail)

Common Collocations

que la relación funcione – that the relationship works out
funcione como se espera – it works as expected

💡 Grammar Points

Influence and Emotion

When using 'funcione' in this sense, it usually follows verbs of emotion (like 'temer que' - to fear that) or influence (like 'querer que' - to want that), showing the uncertainty of the outcome.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong subject pronoun

Mistake: "Yo espero que tú funcione."

Correction: Yo espero que tú funciones. ('Funcione' is only for 'yo', 'él/ella', or 'usted' in the present subjunctive.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Expressing Doubt

Use 'funcione' after expressions of doubt or denial, such as 'No creo que...' (I don't believe that...) or 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: funcione

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'funcione' to express a necessary condition?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

funcionar(to function / to work) - verb

función(function / role) - noun

funcional(functional) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'funcione' always used for the verb 'to work'?

Yes, 'funcione' is always a form of 'funcionar' (to function/to work), but it is used specifically when you are expressing wishes, doubts, emotions, or formal commands, not when stating a simple fact.

How do I know if 'funcione' means 'I work' or 'he/she/it works'?

Because 'funcione' is the same for the 'yo' (I) and 'él/ella/usted' (he/she/it/you formal) subjects in the present subjunctive, you usually need the context or the subject pronoun itself to be sure. In most conversational Spanish, the context makes it clear.