How to Say "it functions" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “it functions” is “funciona” — use 'funciona' when referring to the general operation or proper working of a system, device, or concept..
funciona
/foon-SYOH-nah//funˈsjo.na/
Examples
El sistema de riego no funciona correctamente.
The irrigation system does not function correctly.
Mi teléfono no funciona.
My phone doesn't work.
¿Funciona el aire acondicionado?
Does the air conditioning work?
El sistema funciona perfectamente.
The system works perfectly.
Who is 'funciona' talking about?
'Funciona' most often means 'it works' for a single thing (el teléfono funciona). But it's also the verb form for 'he works,' 'she works,' and the formal 'you work' (usted funciona). The conversation will tell you if it's a person or a thing.
Making it plural
If you're talking about more than one thing, just add an 'n' at the end: 'Las luces no funcionan' (The lights don't work).
Using 'trabajar' for machines
Mistake: “Mi computadora no trabaja.”
Correction: Mi computadora no funciona. Use 'trabajar' for people who have a job, and 'funcionar' for machines and devices that work.
trabaja
/tra-BA-ha//tɾaˈβa.xa/
Examples
Mi vieja computadora todavía trabaja.
My old computer still works.
Mi hermana trabaja en un hospital.
My sister works in a hospital.
El motor trabaja muy bien con esta gasolina.
The engine works (functions) very well with this gasoline.
¿Usted trabaja aquí, señor?
Do you work here, sir?
One Word, Many Meanings
In Spanish, the ending of the verb tells you who is doing the action. 'Trabaja' can mean 'he works,' 'she works,' or 'you work' if you're speaking formally to someone (usted). You'll know who it is from the rest of the conversation.
Mixing up 'trabajo' and 'trabaja'
Mistake: “Yo trabaja en la tienda.”
Correction: Say 'Yo trabajo en la tienda.' Verbs ending in '-o' usually mean 'I' am doing the action. Verbs ending in '-a' are for 'he/she/you (formal)'.
Funciona vs. Trabaja
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.