funcionar

Senses

1. 1.

   to work; to function

   to operate or perform as intended

2. 2.

   to run

   to be in operation (of a machine, business, etc.)

3. 3.

   to succeed; to work out

   to have the desired effect or result

Examples

• "O ar-condicionado não está funcionando."

  The air conditioner is not working.

• "A loja funciona das 9 às 18 horas."

  The store runs from 9 to 6 o'clock.

• "Essa estratégia funciona bem para resolver o problema."

  This strategy works well to solve the problem.

Usage

Extremely common verb in Brazilian Portuguese. Often used in the auxiliary construction "estar funcionando" (to be working/running). Colloquially, can also mean "to fit in" or "to work out" in interpersonal contexts (e.g., "a relação não está funcionando" = the relationship isn't working).