funcionar

Senses

1. 1.

   to work, to function, to operate

   to be in working order or perform as intended

2. 2.

   to work out, to succeed

   to achieve the desired result or outcome

Examples

• "El teléfono no funciona bien."

  The telephone doesn't work well.

• "Esta estrategia funcionó perfectamente en el proyecto anterior."

  This strategy worked perfectly in the previous project.

• "¿Cómo funciona este aparato?"

  How does this device work/operate?

Usage

Funcionar is one of the most common Spanish verbs meaning "to work" for machines, systems, and abstract concepts. It is more technical than andar or ir when referring to mechanical operation. Often used reflexively in set expressions like "¿Cómo se funciona?" (How do you operate it?), though this usage is less formal.