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How to Say "they function" in Spanish

English → Spanish

funcionan

foo-nyo-nan/funˈθjo.nan/

verbA1general
Use 'funcionan' when referring to the operation of systems, machines, or even body organs.
A bright red wind-up toy robot is actively walking on a sunny yellow surface, illustrating that the machine is functioning correctly.

Examples

¿Los frenos del coche funcionan bien?

Do the car brakes work well?

Dicen que los nuevos sistemas de seguridad funcionan mucho mejor.

They say the new security systems function much better.

Aunque la batería está baja, las luces todavía funcionan.

Even though the battery is low, the lights still work.

Who is 'funcionan'?

This form is used when the subject is plural: 'ellos' (they, masculine/mixed group), 'ellas' (they, feminine group), or 'ustedes' (you all, formal).

Regular -AR Verb

Since 'funcionar' is a regular '-ar' verb, it follows the most common conjugation pattern in Spanish, making it easy to predict its forms in other tenses.

Working vs. Functioning

Mistake: “Misusing 'trabajan' (they work) for objects.”

Correction: 'Trabajar' is usually for people's jobs. For machines, plans, or systems, use 'funcionan': 'Los robots funcionan' (The robots work), not 'trabajan'.

andan

AHN-dahn/ˈan.dan/

verbB1general
Use 'andan' for a general sense of 'working' or 'operating', often implying a smooth or satisfactory state, especially for machines or systems.
A close-up view of three large, brightly colored mechanical gears meshing and rotating smoothly.

Examples

Los motores andan mejor después del mantenimiento.

The engines work better after maintenance.

Dicen que sus negocios andan muy bien este trimestre.

They say their businesses are running very well this quarter.

Las computadoras andan lentas hoy; hay un problema en la red.

The computers are running slow today; there's a network problem.

Talking About Systems

When talking about how things (like cars, organizations, or clocks) are performing, use 'andar' instead of 'caminar' (which is only for people/animals).

trabajan

/trah-BAH-hahn//tɾaˈβaxan/

verbA1general
Use 'trabajan' when personifying machines or systems, implying they are actively performing their task or 'working'. This is less common for inanimate objects than 'funcionan'.
A simplistic illustration showing three people actively digging in a garden with shovels.

Examples

Mis vecinos trabajan en la fábrica de coches.

My neighbors work at the car factory.

¿Ustedes trabajan hasta tarde hoy?

Do you all (formal) work until late today?

Las baterías nuevas trabajan mucho mejor que las viejas.

The new batteries function much better than the old ones.

Who is 'trabajan'?

This form always refers to a group: 'ellos' (they, masculine/mixed), 'ellas' (they, feminine), or 'ustedes' (you all/y'all, formal).

Action vs. Habit

The simple present 'trabajan' can mean they work (habitually) or they are working (right now). If you need to emphasize the 'right now' action, use 'están trabajando'.

Confusing the 'You' forms

Mistake: “Using 'trabajan' when talking to one person formally (usted).”

Correction: Use 'trabaja' for one formal person (Usted trabaja). 'Trabajan' is only for a group (Ustedes).

Funcionan vs. Andan

The most common confusion is between 'funcionan' and 'andan'. While both can mean 'work' or 'function', 'funcionan' is more direct and common for the basic operation of systems or machines, whereas 'andan' often implies a smoother or more general sense of operation.

Related Translations

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