función
/foon-syOHN/
function
The función (function/role) of a hammer is to drive nails.
función(noun)
function
?purpose or role
,role
?a person's job or duty
duty
?responsibility
,operation
?how a machine works
📝 In Action
La función principal de este botón es encender la máquina.
A2The main function of this button is to turn on the machine.
¿Cuál es la función del director en esta película?
B1What is the director's role in this movie?
El corazón cumple la función de bombear sangre.
B1The heart fulfills the function of pumping blood.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Remember that 'función' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la función' (the function).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'el'
Mistake: "El función"
Correction: La función. Even though it ends in '-ón', it is feminine, unlike many other '-ón' words.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Job' Word
When talking about the specific duties or responsibilities someone has in a job, 'función' is often a better fit than 'trabajo' (work) or 'empleo' (job).
Enjoying a theatrical función (performance).
función(noun)
performance
?theater or music show
,screening
?movie showing
show
?general term for an event
📝 In Action
Fuimos a la última función del cine a las diez de la noche.
B1We went to the last movie screening at ten o'clock at night.
La función de ballet fue increíble, con entradas agotadas.
B2The ballet performance was incredible, with sold-out tickets.
Solo hay una función por día en ese teatro pequeño.
B1There is only one show per day in that small theater.
💡 Grammar Points
Time of Day
You will often see 'función' combined with time expressions, such as 'la función de la tarde' (the afternoon show) or 'la función nocturna' (the night show).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are talking about going to the movies or theater, 'función' almost certainly means 'performance' or 'screening,' not 'purpose.'
In math, a función (function) defines a relationship between inputs and outputs.
función(noun)
function
?mathematical relationship
,function
?computer programming routine
mapping
?mathematics
📝 In Action
En matemáticas, una función relaciona un conjunto de entrada con uno de salida.
B2In mathematics, a function relates an input set to an output set.
El programador escribió una función para calcular el promedio.
C1The programmer wrote a function to calculate the average.
⭐ Usage Tips
Technical Context
When you hear this word in a formal lecture or textbook, it usually refers to a specific, measurable relationship, like in science or technology.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: función
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'función' to mean 'performance' or 'show'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'función' the same as 'trabajo'?
No, they are different! 'Trabajo' usually means 'work' or 'job' in general. 'Función' is more specific; it refers to the *specific duties* or *role* that a person or thing performs within that job or system. Think of 'función' as 'what it does,' and 'trabajo' as 'the activity or place where it happens.'
How do I know if 'función' means 'role' or 'performance'?
Look at the surrounding words. If you see words related to entertainment (cine, teatro, ballet, hora), it means 'performance.' If you see words related to systems, biology, or jobs (motor, cuerpo, gerente, tarea), it means 'role' or 'purpose.'