Inklingo

How to Say "functioning" in Spanish

English → Spanish

funcionando

/foon-syoh-NAHN-doh//funθjoˈnando/

gerundA2general
Use this when describing something that is currently in the process of working or operating, often as a temporary state.
A simple illustration of two brightly colored interlocking gears actively turning and operating smoothly on a solid background.

Examples

El ordenador no está funcionando bien. Necesita una revisión.

The computer is not functioning well. It needs a check-up.

El ascensor no está funcionando. Usa las escaleras.

The elevator is not working. Use the stairs.

Mi teléfono ha estado funcionando muy lento desde la actualización.

My phone has been functioning very slowly since the update.

La nueva estrategia está funcionando mejor de lo que esperábamos.

The new strategy is working better than we expected.

The Progressive Action

The '-ando' ending is the Spanish way of saying that an action is currently happening or in progress, similar to the '-ing' in English. This form is called the gerund.

Using 'Estar'

To say something 'is working' right now, you must combine 'funcionando' with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be), such as 'está funcionando' or 'estaban funcionando'.

Using 'Ser' Instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “El sistema es funcionando.”

Correction: El sistema está funcionando. Remember, 'estar' is used for temporary states or ongoing actions, while 'ser' is for permanent qualities.

funcionamiento

/foon-syon-ah-MYEN-toh//funsjo.naˈmjento/

nounB1general
Use this to refer to the general operation, performance, or the way something works, often as a concept or system.
A colorful illustration of large interlocking gears turning together smoothly inside a machine.

Examples

El buen funcionamiento del motor es esencial para la seguridad.

The good functioning of the engine is essential for safety.

El funcionamiento de la aplicación es muy intuitivo.

The operation of the app is very intuitive.

Debemos revisar el buen funcionamiento del motor.

We must check that the engine is working properly.

Pusieron el nuevo plan en funcionamiento ayer.

They put the new plan into operation yesterday.

Making Nouns from Verbs

This word is the 'thing' version of the verb 'funcionar' (to work/function). By adding the ending '-miento,' we turn the action into a name for the process itself.

Working vs. Functioning

Mistake: “Using 'trabajamiento' to talk about a machine.”

Correction: Use 'funcionamiento.' In Spanish, 'trabajo' is for people's jobs, while 'funcionamiento' is for how things or systems operate.

marcha

MAR-chah/ˈmartʃa/

nounB1general
Use this to talk about the state of operation or progress, especially when something has started or is underway.
An illustration showing a simple, functioning assembly line where a box is smoothly moving along a conveyor belt, representing an operation.

Examples

La nueva estrategia de marketing ya está en marcha.

The new marketing strategy is already underway/operational.

El plan de construcción ya está en marcha.

The construction plan is already underway/operational.

Necesitamos garantizar la buena marcha del negocio.

We need to guarantee the smooth running/operation of the business.

Gerund vs. Noun for 'Functioning'

The most common mistake is using the noun 'funcionamiento' when you mean the active process of something working right now. Remember, 'funcionando' (the gerund) is for when something is actively in operation, like a machine that is on and running.

Related Translations

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