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How to Say "to function" in Spanish

English → Spanish

trabajar

/tra-ba-HAR//tɾa.βaˈxaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'trabajar' when referring to a machine or device operating correctly or not operating at all.
A bright red electric blender actively mixing colorful fruits and liquids, demonstrating a machine that is functioning.

Examples

El coche no trabaja bien.

The car doesn't function well.

El aire acondicionado no trabaja.

The air conditioning doesn't work.

¿Sabes por qué la impresora no trabaja?

Do you know why the printer isn't working?

Este plan no va a trabajar.

This plan isn't going to work.

operar

/oh-peh-RAHR//opeˈɾaɾ/

verbA2technical/general
Use 'operar' for systems, especially electronic or mechanical ones, to describe how they function or perform.
A brightly colored cartoon industrial machine with visible turning gears and a conveyor belt successfully moving a small object, showing it is functioning.

Examples

El nuevo software opera eficientemente.

The new software functions efficiently.

El nuevo sistema operativo opera mucho más rápido.

The new operating system functions much faster.

Esta empresa opera en varios países de Latinoamérica.

This company operates in several Latin American countries.

Context is Key

When referring to a machine or system, 'operar' means 'to work/function.' When referring to a person, it means 'to perform surgery.' The subject tells you the meaning.

servir

ser-VEER/seɾˈβiɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'servir' to ask about the purpose or use of an object or device, essentially asking what it is *for* or how it functions in terms of its utility.
An open red toolbox displaying several shiny, well-organized hand tools.

Examples

¿Para qué sirve esta herramienta?

What is this tool used for (how does it function)?

¿Para qué sirve este botón rojo?

What is this red button used for?

Este mapa no me sirve; necesito uno más reciente.

This map is not useful to me; I need a more recent one.

Mi viejo móvil todavía sirve para hacer llamadas.

My old cell phone still works for making calls.

Using Servir for Purpose

When you want to ask or state what something is used for, always follow 'servir' with the preposition 'para' and then the noun or verb: ¿Sirve para cortar? (Is it used for cutting?)

Mixing up 'Servir' and 'Trabajar'

Mistake: “El coche no trabaja.”

Correction: El coche no sirve/funciona. ('Trabajar' is for people; 'servir' or 'funcionar' is for machines/objects.)

andar

ahn-DAHR/anˈdaɾ/

verbB1informal
Use 'andar' informally to describe how things are going or how a machine is performing, often implying a general state of operation or progress.
A simple, bright storybook illustration of a large, friendly yellow sun with a joyful, wide smile.

Examples

Mi computadora anda muy lenta últimamente.

My computer is functioning very slowly lately.

¿Cómo andan las cosas en tu trabajo?

How are things going at your job?

Mi primo anda buscando un apartamento cerca del centro.

My cousin is looking for an apartment near the center.

El coche no anda bien desde que lo llevé al taller.

The car hasn't been working well since I took it to the garage.

The 'Andar' + Gerund Pattern

When 'andar' is followed by the '-ando' or '-iendo' form (the gerund), it emphasizes that the action is ongoing and often implies wandering or a lack of specific purpose. (e.g., 'Anda diciendo tonterías' = He goes around saying nonsense).

Confusing 'Andar' and 'Estar'

Mistake: “Using 'Ando feliz' for 'I am happy' (a permanent state).”

Correction: While 'Ando' is acceptable for temporary moods, 'Estoy feliz' is safer and more common for expressing emotion. Use 'andar' more for temporary physical states or 'going around' doing something.

Confusing 'trabajar' and 'servir'

Learners often confuse 'trabajar' (to operate correctly) with 'servir' (to be useful for). Remember, 'trabajar' focuses on the *act* of functioning, while 'servir' focuses on the *purpose* or utility of something.

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