verb

funcionar

work · function

Hacer lo que se espera o sirve para lo que fue creado.

Word: funcionar

Meaning: The Spanish verb funcionar means "to function" or "to work" in the sense of operating properly or performing its intended task.


Explanation:

  • Origin: It comes from the noun "función" (function) which refers to an activity or role something has.
  • Use: It's used when referring to objects, machines, systems, processes, or even plans and ideas working correctly.

Parts:

  • This word is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it follows typical conjugation patterns for -ar verbs.

Sample uses:

  • La computadora no funciona. — The computer does not work.
  • El plan funcionó perfectamente. — The plan worked/performed perfectly.

Synonyms:

  • Operar — to operate
  • Marchar — to go (works in figurative senses)
  • Andar — to run/to go (used with machines, informal)
  • Trabajar — to work (in sense of functioning, although more commonly means to labor)

Antonyms:

  • Estar roto/a — to be broken
  • Fallar — to fail
  • Dejar de funcionar — to stop working

Additional notes:

  • It generally implies correct and effective operation.
  • Not used for human functioning in terms of health or ability; for people, verbs like trabajar, funcionar in a figurative sense or rendirse (to perform) might be used instead depending on context.

In summary, funcionar relates to the successful working or operation of something, whether mechanical, electronic, procedural, or abstract.

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Examples

Tu reloj parece no funcionar correctamente.verb

Your watch doesn't seem to work properly.

El televisor dejó de funcionar ayer.verb

The television stopped working yesterday.

El televisor dejó de funcionar ayer por la noche.verb

The television stopped working last night.

Mi teléfono no funciona bien después de la caída.verb

My phone does not function well after the fall.

Mi cafetera ya no funciona.verb

My coffee maker no longer works.

Nuestra relación está funcionando.verb

Our relationship is working.

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