How to Say "working" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “working” is “trabajando” — use this when describing the ongoing action of a person or entity performing labor or an activity.
trabajando
tra-ba-HAN-dotɾa.βaˈxan.do
Examples
Estoy trabajando en mi oficina.
I am working in my office.
Ella pasó toda la tarde trabajando en el proyecto.
She spent the whole afternoon working on the project.
Aprendió mucho trabajando con expertos.
He learned a lot by working with experts.
The Spanish '-ing' Form
'Trabajando' is the Spanish equivalent of adding '-ing' to 'work' in English. It shows that an action is in progress. You'll most often use it with the verb 'estar' to say what is happening right now, like 'Estoy trabajando' (I am working).
Explaining 'How' with '-ando'
Besides talking about actions in progress, you can use 'trabajando' to explain how something is done. For example, 'Gana dinero trabajando' means 'He earns money by working.'
Not a Noun
Mistake: “Me gusta trabajando.”
Correction: Me gusta trabajar. In English, you can say 'I like working,' where 'working' acts like a noun. In Spanish, you can't do this. To talk about an activity in general, always use the full verb form (the infinitive), like 'trabajar'.
Missing 'Estar'
Mistake: “Yo trabajando ahora.”
Correction: Yo estoy trabajando ahora. To say 'I am working,' you need the helper verb 'estar' ('estoy'). Leaving it out is like saying 'I working now' in English—it's incomplete.
funcionando
foon-syoh-NAHN-dohfunθjoˈnando
Examples
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.
funcional
foon-syo-NAHLfunsjoˈnal
Examples
Este sofá es muy funcional porque también es una cama.
This sofa is very functional because it is also a bed.
El entrenamiento funcional te ayuda con los movimientos del día a día.
Functional training helps you with everyday movements.
Buscamos un diseño funcional que aproveche el espacio limitado.
We are looking for a functional design that makes the most of the limited space.
One size fits all
This word doesn't change based on gender. You can use 'funcional' for both masculine and feminine nouns (el coche funcional / la mesa funcional).
Adjective placement
In Spanish, we usually put 'funcional' after the noun it describes to emphasize its utility.
Using it for 'working'
Mistake: “La televisión es funcional.”
Correction: La televisión funciona.
laboral
la-bo-RALla.βoˈɾal
Examples
Mi jornada laboral termina a las seis de la tarde.
My work day ends at six in the evening.
Es difícil mantener un equilibrio entre la vida familiar y la vida laboral.
It is difficult to maintain a balance between family life and work life.
El gobierno anunció una nueva reforma laboral.
The government announced a new labor reform.
One Form for All
This word stays the same whether you are describing a masculine thing (un día laboral) or a feminine thing (una vida laboral).
Making it Plural
Because the word ends in a consonant (L), you add '-es' to make it plural: 'los días laborales'.
Using 'Trabajo' as a Descriptor
Mistake: “Mi trabajo vida es buena.”
Correction: Mi vida laboral es buena.
operativo
oh-peh-rah-TEE-bohopeɾaˈtiβo
Examples
El nuevo sistema de seguridad ya está operativo.
The new security system is already operational.
Necesitamos un plan operativo para el lunes.
We need a working plan by Monday.
La flota de camiones no estará operativa hasta mañana.
The truck fleet won't be in service until tomorrow.
Matching the Noun
This word changes its ending to match what it describes. Use 'operativo' for masculine things (el sistema) and 'operativa' for feminine things (la red).
Using with 'Estar'
When you want to say something is 'up and running,' we usually use the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a current state.
Wrong Word for Rooms
Mistake: “Don't use 'cuarto operativo' for a room where surgery happens.”
Correction: In Spanish, an operating room is called a 'quirófano'.
funcionamiento
foon-syon-ah-MYEN-tohfunsjo.naˈmjento
Examples
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.
hábil
AH-beelˈa.bil
Examples
El banco procesará el pago en tres días hábiles.
The bank will process the payment in three business days.
Los sábados y domingos no son días hábiles.
Saturdays and Sundays are not working days.
Tiene un plazo hábil de diez días para reclamar.
You have a valid period of ten days to claim.
Describing Time
In this context, 'hábil' comes after the noun it describes, usually 'día' (day) or 'plazo' (period).
Mixing up 'trabajador'
Mistake: “cinco días trabajadores”
Correction: cinco días hábiles. 'Trabajador' is for people who work hard; 'hábil' is for days that count on the calendar.
Gerunds vs. Adjectives
Related Translations
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