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A2 adjective 8 min read

funcionando

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips funcionando in 30 Seconds

Explanation funcionando in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners encounter funcionando as a simple way to describe the status of everyday objects. The focus is on basic survival Portuguese. You need to know this word to tell a receptionist that the light in your room isn't working or to ask if the Wi-Fi is operational. At this stage, you should simply memorize the phrase não está funcionando (it is not working) as a fixed block. You don't need to worry about the complexities of gerund conjugation yet; just treat it as a label for things that are 'broken' or 'on'. The grammar is kept simple: Subject + verb estar + funcionando. It is essential for basic needs like using a public phone, an ATM, or a household appliance. You will mostly use it in the present tense to describe the immediate reality around you. For an A1 student, the goal is to be understood when something goes wrong with a device.

At the A2 level, you begin to use funcionando to describe more than just broken gadgets. You start to apply it to schedules, simple plans, and routines. You can add adverbs like bem (well) or mal (badly) to give more nuance. For example, 'O meu carro está funcionando bem' (My car is working well). You also learn the difference between trabalhando (people working) and funcionando (things working), which is a key milestone in avoiding common 'Gringo' mistakes. You might also encounter the word in the context of 'business hours' or 'opening times' for services. At this level, you are expected to form complete sentences and ask questions about the status of things. You should be able to explain why something is not working, perhaps by adding a simple reason: 'Não está funcionando porque está velho' (It's not working because it's old).

By the B1 level, funcionando moves into the realm of abstract systems and processes. You use it to talk about how a project is going or whether a specific diet or study method is effective for you. 'Esta dieta não está funcionando' (This diet is not working). You are now comfortable using the word in various tenses, such as the past (estava funcionando) or the future (vai estar funcionando). You also start to recognize the word in more formal contexts, like workplace meetings where colleagues discuss if a new policy is funcionando as intended. You begin to understand the nuance of using funcionando versus synonyms like dando certo. Your vocabulary expands to include common collocations and you can participate in longer conversations about technology or social systems without hesitation.

At the B2 level, you use funcionando with greater precision and in more complex grammatical structures. You might use it in the conditional to hypothesize: 'Se o sistema estivesse funcionando, não teríamos este problema' (If the system were working, we wouldn't have this problem). You also use it to describe complex social and political mechanisms. For instance, you might discuss whether the democratic system is funcionando correctly in a specific country. Your usage is more idiomatic, and you can distinguish between the literal functioning of a machine and the metaphorical functioning of an organization. You also become aware of regional differences, such as the preference for a funcionar in Portugal. At this level, funcionando is a tool for expressing opinions on efficiency and effectiveness in professional and academic settings.

At the C1 level, your use of funcionando is sophisticated and nuanced. You can use it to discuss philosophical or highly technical concepts, such as the funcionamento (functioning) of the human mind or the intricate workings of an ecosystem. You use the word in complex sentence structures, including those with multiple clauses and subtle shifts in meaning. You might use it to critique a literary work or a piece of art, discussing how the different elements are funcionando together to create a specific effect. You are also sensitive to the register of the word, knowing exactly when to use funcionando and when a more formal term like operante or em vigência would be more appropriate. You can handle fast-paced discussions where the word is used metaphorically or sarcastically, catching the underlying tone and intent of native speakers.

At the C2 level, you have mastered funcionando to the point where it is a natural part of your expressive repertoire. You can use it in highly creative ways, perhaps in poetry or high-level academic writing, to describe the 'working' of time, fate, or abstract theories. You understand the deepest etymological roots and the historical evolution of the verb funcionar. You can engage in debates about the funcionamento of the universe or complex legal frameworks with the same ease as a native speaker. You are also adept at using the word to convey irony or subtle social commentary. For a C2 learner, funcionando is not just a vocabulary word, but a versatile instrument that can be modulated to fit any possible communicative context, from the most mundane to the most profound.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

funcionando in 30 Seconds

Used to describe machines, systems, or plans that are operational.
Always use with the auxiliary verb 'estar' to indicate a state.
Never use to describe people working (use 'trabalhando' instead).
Essential for daily life, technology, and professional contexts.

The Portuguese word funcionando is the gerund form of the verb funcionar, but it is frequently employed in a way that translates to the English adjective 'working' or 'functional'. At its core, it describes a state of operation, indicating that a machine, a system, a plan, or even a relationship is performing its intended purpose without failure. Unlike the English word 'working', which can refer to a person performing labor (e.g., 'I am working at the office'), funcionando is almost exclusively reserved for the mechanical, systemic, or conceptual efficacy of things. If you want to say a person is working, you would use trabalhando. Understanding this distinction is crucial for A2 learners who are beginning to describe their environment.

Mechanical State: Refers to appliances, cars, or gadgets that are powered on and performing correctly.
Systemic Efficacy: Used for abstract concepts like laws, schedules, or organizational methods that are achieving results.
Biological/Physical: Can describe organs or bodily functions, such as the heart or brain operating as they should.

In everyday Brazilian and European Portuguese, you will hear this word constantly when dealing with technology. If your Wi-Fi is active, it is funcionando. If the elevator is out of service, it is não está funcionando.

Finalmente, o meu computador está funcionando de novo!

This word is versatile because it can be used in both formal and informal registers. In a professional setting, a manager might ask if a new strategy is funcionando (working/effective). In a casual setting, you might complain that your old microwave is barely funcionando. The psychological aspect of the word is also important; it implies a sense of relief or order. When things are funcionando, the chaos of the world is momentarily held at bay.

O plano de estudos está funcionando muito bem para os alunos.

Context: Technology: O aplicativo não está funcionando após a atualização.
Context: Business: A nova parceria está funcionando perfeitamente para ambas as empresas.

A geladeira parou de funcionando? Não, ela ainda está ligada.

Using funcionando correctly requires an understanding of Portuguese sentence structure, specifically the use of the auxiliary verb estar. Because 'functioning' is usually a state that can change (something can be working now but broken later), the permanent verb ser is almost never used with it. You would say O relógio está funcionando (The clock is working). If you were to say O relógio é funcionando, it would sound nonsensical to a native speaker.

Present Continuous: Structure: [Subject] + [estar conjugated] + funcionando. Example: 'A internet está funcionando.'
Negative Form: Structure: [Subject] + não + [estar conjugated] + funcionando. Example: 'O ar-condicionado não está funcionando.'
Interrogative Form: Structure: [Estar conjugated] + [Subject] + funcionando? Example: 'Está tudo funcionando?'

Adverbs are often placed after funcionando to provide more detail about the quality of the operation. Common adverbs include bem (well), mal (badly), perfeitamente (perfectly), and corretamente (correctly).

O motor do carro está funcionando suavemente agora.

In more advanced usage, funcionando can appear in subordinate clauses. For instance, 'Eu vi o sistema funcionando' (I saw the system working). Here, it acts as a complement to the object. It can also be used to describe business hours, although the verb abrir is more common for physical stores. However, for services, you might say 'O serviço está funcionando 24 horas' (The service is operating 24 hours).

Mesmo sendo antigo, o rádio continua funcionando.

With 'Continuar': To indicate that something is still working despite expectations. 'Ainda continua funcionando.'
With 'Parar de': To describe the moment something stops working. 'O relógio parou de funcionar.'

A equipe está funcionando como uma unidade coesa.

If you travel to a Portuguese-speaking country, funcionando will be one of the most useful words in your vocabulary for navigating daily life. You will hear it at train stations when an escalator is broken: 'A escada rolante não está funcionando.' You will hear it in hotels when the Wi-Fi is spotty: 'O Wi-Fi não está funcionando no meu quarto.' It is the universal word for 'out of order' when used with a negation.

Public Transport: Announcements about ticket machines or turnstiles (catracas) being operational.
Restaurants/Cafes: Inquiring if the kitchen is still open or if the credit card machine is working.
Workplace: Discussing whether a project, software, or workflow is yielding the desired results.

In Brazil, specifically, the word is often used in a more metaphorical sense to describe social dynamics or 'jeitinhos'. Someone might say 'Isso aqui só está funcionando na base da gambiarra' (This is only working based on a makeshift fix). This reflects a cultural reality where things are often kept funcionando through creativity and improvisation.

Desculpe, a máquina de café não está funcionando hoje.

On television news, you will hear it in reports about public services. 'Os hospitais estão funcionando com capacidade reduzida' (The hospitals are operating at reduced capacity). In the tech world, developers use it constantly during testing: 'Agora está funcionando!' (Now it's working!).

O metrô está funcionando normalmente apesar da chuva.

Daily Errands: Asking if the ATM (caixa eletrônico) is working before inserting your card.
Social Media: Checking if a website or app is 'down' (não está funcionando).

A nova lei já está funcionando em todo o país.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with funcionando is using it to describe people who are working. In English, the word 'working' is a homonym for both 'operating' and 'performing a job'. In Portuguese, these are strictly separated.

Incorrect (False Friend): 'João está funcionando no escritório.' (João is operating/functioning in the office – sounds like João is a machine).
Correct: 'João está trabalhando no escritório.' (João is working in the office).

Another common error is using the wrong auxiliary verb. As mentioned before, learners often confuse ser and estar.

O relógio está funcionando (Correct). O relógio é funcionando (Incorrect).

Learners also sometimes forget that funcionando is the gerund and try to use the infinitive funcionar where the gerund is needed. For example, saying 'O rádio está funcionar' is incorrect in Brazilian Portuguese (though acceptable in European Portuguese as 'está a funcionar'). In Brazil, you must use the 'ndo' ending. Spelling is another minor hurdle. Some students write 'fucionando', omitting the 'n' after the 'u'. It is fun-cio-nan-do.

Atenção: 'fucionando' está errado. O correto é 'funcionando'.

Confusion with 'Operando': While 'operando' is a synonym, it is much more formal and usually refers to heavy machinery or surgical procedures. For a household toaster, 'funcionando' is the only natural choice.
Confusion with 'Ligado': 'Ligado' means 'turned on'. A TV can be 'ligada' but not 'funcionando' if the screen is broken.

To sound more like a native speaker, you should eventually learn synonyms and related terms that can replace or complement funcionando depending on the context.

Operante: A more formal adjective meaning 'operational'. Often used in technical manuals or military contexts. 'O radar está operante.'
Ativo: Meaning 'active'. Used for accounts, volcanoes, or processes. 'Sua conta ainda está ativa.'
Em Serviço: Meaning 'in service'. Used for public transport or elevators. 'O elevador está em serviço.'

If you want to emphasize that something is working exceptionally well, you can use the expression a todo vapor (at full steam).

A fábrica está funcionando a todo vapor para entregar os pedidos.

Conversely, if something is barely working, you might say it is nas últimas (on its last legs) or engasgando (stuttering/choking).

O novo método de ensino está dando certo (is working out).

Dar Certo: A phrasal verb meaning 'to work out' or 'to be successful'. Often used for plans or relationships instead of 'funcionando'.
Rodar: Literally 'to spin' or 'to run'. Used specifically for computer software. 'O programa não roda no meu Windows.'

O sistema está operacional desde as oito da manhã.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'funcionário' (employee) comes from the same root because an employee is someone who 'functions' within an organization.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fũ.sju.ˈnɐ̃.du/

US /fʊn.sjo.ˈnɑn.doʊ/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: fun-cio-NAN-do.

Rhymes With

andando cantando falando olhando pensando tomando levando chegando

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'fun' like the English word 'fun' (it should be nasal 'foon').
Omitting the 'n' in 'cio-nan-do'.
Making the 'ci' sound like 'chi' instead of 'see'.
Stressing the first syllable.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a hard 'O' instead of a soft 'u' (common in Brazil).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the 'function' root.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'n' and the 'cio' spelling.

Speaking 3/5

Nasal vowels can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive 'ndo' ending makes it easy to spot.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Estar Não Bem O A

Learn Next

Trabalhando Quebrado Consertar Aparelho Sistema

Advanced

Operacionalidade Vigência Engrenagem Eficiência Manutenção

Grammar to Know

Gerund Formation

Verbs ending in -ar change to -ando (Funcionar -> Funcionando).

Estar vs Ser

Use 'estar' for temporary states like 'funcionando'.

Adverb Placement

Adverbs usually follow the gerund: 'Funcionando perfeitamente'.

Negative 'Não'

Place 'não' before the auxiliary verb: 'Não está funcionando'.

Gerund as Adjective

In Portuguese, the gerund often acts as a present participle adjective.

Examples by Level

A TV está funcionando.

The TV is working.

Subject + estar + funcionando.

O rádio não está funcionando.

The radio is not working.

Negative 'não' comes before the verb 'está'.

Está tudo funcionando?

Is everything working?

Interrogative sentence using 'tudo' as the subject.

O meu celular está funcionando.

My cell phone is working.

Possessive 'meu' agrees with 'celular'.

A lâmpada está funcionando bem.

The lamp is working well.

'Bem' is an adverb modifying the state.

O Wi-Fi está funcionando?

Is the Wi-Fi working?

Common question for travelers.

O relógio parou de funcionar.

The clock stopped working.

'Parou de' + infinitive 'funcionar'.

A geladeira está funcionando.

The refrigerator is working.

Feminine subject 'geladeira'.

O elevador está funcionando agora.

The elevator is working now.

Use of the time adverb 'agora'.

O carro ainda está funcionando mal.

The car is still working poorly.

'Ainda' indicates a continuing state.

Esta caneta não está funcionando.

This pen is not working.

Demonstrative 'esta' for something close.

O ar-condicionado está funcionando perfeitamente.

The air conditioning is working perfectly.

Long adverb 'perfeitamente'.

A impressora está funcionando hoje?

Is the printer working today?

Asking about daily status.

O meu plano está funcionando.

My plan is working.

Metaphorical use for a 'plan'.

O computador velho continua funcionando.

The old computer continues working.

Verb 'continua' + gerund.

Nada está funcionando neste hotel.

Nothing is working in this hotel.

Indefinite pronoun 'nada' as subject.

O sistema de som está funcionando muito bem.

The sound system is working very well.

Compound subject 'sistema de som'.

A nova lei já está funcionando.

The new law is already working (in effect).

Abstract use for legislation.

A estratégia de marketing está funcionando.

The marketing strategy is working.

Business context.

Eu vi a máquina funcionando ontem.

I saw the machine working yesterday.

Gerund as an object complement.

Sua ideia está funcionando na prática.

Your idea is working in practice.

Prepositional phrase 'na prática'.

O remédio está funcionando, sinto-me melhor.

The medicine is working, I feel better.

Medical/Biological context.

A empresa está funcionando desde 1990.

The company has been operating since 1990.

Duration with 'desde'.

O aplicativo está funcionando em todos os aparelhos.

The app is working on all devices.

Technical compatibility.

O governo garante que os serviços estão funcionando.

The government guarantees that the services are operating.

Indirect speech with 'que'.

A equipe está funcionando como um relógio.

The team is working like a clock (perfectly).

Simile with 'como'.

Se o motor estivesse funcionando, já teríamos saído.

If the engine were working, we would have already left.

Imperfect subjunctive 'estivesse'.

O sistema bancário está funcionando normalmente após o ataque.

The banking system is operating normally after the attack.

Post-event status description.

O projeto está funcionando apesar da falta de verba.

The project is working despite the lack of funds.

Concessive phrase 'apesar de'.

Verificamos se o protocolo está funcionando corretamente.

We verified if the protocol is working correctly.

Subordinate clause with 'se'.

A democracia só está funcionando no papel.

Democracy is only working on paper (theoretically).

Idiomatic expression 'no papel'.

Os pulmões estão funcionando com a ajuda de aparelhos.

The lungs are functioning with the help of machines.

Medical precision.

A dinâmica do grupo está funcionando de forma orgânica.

The group dynamic is working in an organic way.

Sophisticated adverbial phrase 'de forma orgânica'.

O mercado está funcionando sob novas regulamentações.

The market is operating under new regulations.

Preposition 'sob' (under).

É fascinante ver como o cérebro está funcionando durante o sono.

It is fascinating to see how the brain is functioning during sleep.

Infinitive 'ver' followed by a 'como' clause.

A engrenagem social está funcionando a despeito das crises.

The social gear is working despite the crises.

Formal connector 'a despeito de'.

O algoritmo está funcionando para filtrar conteúdo impróprio.

The algorithm is working to filter inappropriate content.

Finality with 'para'.

A narrativa está funcionando para prender a atenção do leitor.

The narrative is working to hold the reader's attention.

Literary analysis context.

O ecossistema está funcionando em perfeito equilíbrio.

The ecosystem is functioning in perfect balance.

Environmental context.

A mente dele está funcionando em uma velocidade diferente.

His mind is working at a different speed.

Metaphorical speed.

O aparato estatal está funcionando de maneira burocrática e lenta.

The state apparatus is functioning in a bureaucratic and slow manner.

Political/Sociological terminology.

A dialética entre as partes está funcionando para sintetizar uma solução.

The dialectic between the parties is working to synthesize a solution.

Academic/Philosophical context.

O universo parece estar funcionando segundo leis matemáticas imutáveis.

The universe seems to be functioning according to immutable mathematical laws.

Complex verb phrase 'parece estar funcionando'.

A consciência está funcionando como um espelho da realidade externa.

Consciousness is functioning as a mirror of external reality.

Philosophical metaphor.

O subtexto da peça está funcionando para criticar a elite local.

The play's subtext is working to criticize the local elite.

Theatrical criticism.

O metabolismo está funcionando em um estado de cetose profunda.

The metabolism is functioning in a state of deep ketosis.

Specialized biological context.

A infraestrutura urbana está funcionando no limite de sua capacidade.

The urban infrastructure is functioning at the limit of its capacity.

Urban planning context.

O mecanismo de defesa está funcionando para evitar o trauma.

The defense mechanism is working to avoid trauma.

Psychological terminology.

Common Collocations

estar funcionando

continuar funcionando

parar de funcionar

funcionando bem

funcionando mal

funcionando perfeitamente

sistema funcionando

pleno funcionamento

voltar a funcionar

deixar de funcionar

Common Phrases

Não está funcionando.

— The most basic way to say something is broken or out of order.

O controle remoto não está funcionando.

Está funcionando agora?

— A standard question to check if a fix worked.

Tentei ligar. Está funcionando agora?

Isso não está funcionando para mim.

— Metaphorical phrase used for a lifestyle, habit, or situation.

Acordar cedo não está funcionando para mim.

Tudo funcionando por aqui.

— A casual way to say everything is okay or on track.

Como estão as coisas? Tudo funcionando por aqui.

Funcionando a todo vapor.

— Working at maximum capacity or very successfully.

A fábrica está funcionando a todo vapor.

Funcionando como deveria.

— Operating as expected.

O software está funcionando como deveria.

Ainda está funcionando.

— Expressing surprise that something old or damaged is still operational.

Esse celular de 2010 ainda está funcionando.

Funcionando 24 horas.

— Operating around the clock.

O suporte está funcionando 24 horas.

Funcionando em rede.

— Operating in a networked or connected manner.

Os computadores estão funcionando em rede.

Funcionando por milagre.

— Barely working, often used humorously for old cars.

Meu carro está funcionando por milagre.

Often Confused With

funcionando vs Trabalhando

Used for people. 'Funcionando' is for things.

funcionando vs Ligado

'Ligado' means power is on, 'funcionando' means it actually works.

funcionando vs Dando certo

'Dando certo' is for success, 'funcionando' is for operation.

Idioms & Expressions

"Funcionando como um relógio"

— To work perfectly and precisely.

A organização do evento está funcionando como um relógio.

Neutral

"Não funcionar nem com reza braba"

— To not work even with strong prayer (totally broken).

O meu computador não funciona nem com reza braba.

Informal (Brazil)

"Funcionando na base da gambiarra"

— Working thanks to a makeshift or 'jury-rigged' fix.

A antena está funcionando na base da gambiarra.

Slang (Brazil)

"Dando certo"

— Technically an idiom for 'working out' or 'succeeding'.

O nosso namoro está dando certo.

Informal

"Funcionar às mil maravilhas"

— To work wonderfully well.

O novo motor funciona às mil maravilhas.

Informal

"Botar para funcionar"

— To make something start working or to implement something.

Precisamos botar esse projeto para funcionar.

Informal

"Funcionar de vento em popa"

— To be working/going very well (sailing with the wind).

Os negócios estão funcionando de vento em popa.

Informal

"Não funcionar o juízo"

— To not be thinking clearly (the 'judgment' is not working).

Com esse calor, meu juízo não funciona.

Informal

"Funcionando no limite"

— Operating at the very edge of failure or capacity.

O servidor está funcionando no limite.

Neutral

"Funcionar como uma luva"

— To fit or work perfectly for a specific situation.

Essa solução funcionou como uma luva.

Informal

Easily Confused

funcionando vs Trabalhando

Both translate to 'working' in English.

Trabalhando is for human labor or professional roles. Funcionando is for mechanical or systemic operation.

Eu estou trabalhando (I am working). O motor está funcionando (The engine is working).

funcionando vs Operando

Both mean 'operating'.

Operando is more formal and often used for surgery or heavy industry. Funcionando is general purpose.

O cirurgião está operando. A torradeira está funcionando.

funcionando vs Servindo

Both can mean 'being useful'.

Servindo implies utility for a person. Funcionando implies correct internal mechanism.

Este balde está servindo para pegar água. O relógio está funcionando.

funcionando vs Rodando

Both used in tech.

Rodando is specific to software execution or rotating parts. Funcionando is the general state.

O Windows está rodando. O computador está funcionando.

funcionando vs Andando

Both can mean 'moving forward'.

Andando is literal walking or metaphorical progress. Funcionando is mechanical state.

O projeto está andando. A máquina está funcionando.

Sentence Patterns

O [Object] está funcionando.

O rádio está funcionando.

O [Object] não está funcionando [Adverb].

O carro não está funcionando bem.

O [System] está funcionando desde [Time].

O site está funcionando desde ontem.

Se o [Object] estivesse funcionando, [Result].

Se o Wi-Fi estivesse funcionando, eu trabalharia.

É necessário garantir que o [Process] esteja funcionando.

É necessário garantir que o protocolo esteja funcionando.

A despeito de tudo, o [Mechanism] segue funcionando.

A despeito de tudo, o mecanismo segue funcionando.

Está funcionando?

Acho que está funcionando.

Word Family

Nouns

funcionamento (functioning/operation)

funcionário (employee)

função (function)

Verbs

funcionar (to function/work)

Adjectives

funcional (functional)

funcionando (working/operating)

operacional

utilitário

mecanismo

sistema

atividade

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in daily speech and technical contexts.

Common Mistakes

Eu estou funcionando. → Eu estou trabalhando.
You used the word for machines to describe yourself working at a job.
O rádio é funcionando. → O rádio está funcionando.
You used 'ser' (permanent) instead of 'estar' (temporary state).
A máquina não fucionando. → A máquina não está funcionando.
You forgot the auxiliary verb 'está' and misspelled the word.
O plano está trabalhando. → O plano está funcionando.
You used the word for human labor to describe a conceptual plan.
O sistema está a funcionando. → O sistema está funcionando (BR) or está a funcionar (PT).
You mixed the Brazilian and European constructions.

Tips

Auxiliary Verbs

Always pair 'funcionando' with 'estar'. Avoid 'ser' at all costs when describing the state of a machine.

The 'NDO' Trick

Whenever you see 'ndo' at the end of a word, think of the English '-ing'. This will help you identify actions in progress.

Gambiarra

In Brazil, if something is 'funcionando' but looks messy, it's probably a 'gambiarra' (a clever, makeshift fix).

Nasalization

To sound more native, ensure the first 'n' is very nasal. Don't pronounce it like the 'n' in 'fun'.

Spelling

Remember the 'i' after the 'c'. It's 'fun-cio-nando', not 'fun-co-nando'.

Tech Support

If your phone is acting up, the first thing a Brazilian will ask is: 'Está funcionando agora?'

Formal Use

In a business email, use 'em pleno funcionamento' to sound more professional.

Word Stress

Listen for the stress on 'NAN'. It helps you distinguish the word in fast speech.

People vs Things

This is the #1 mistake. People 'trabalham', things 'funcionam'. Keep them separate!

Visualizing

Visualize a lightbulb turning on. As it glows, say 'Está funcionando!'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Fun-ctioning' 'Nintendo'. If your Nintendo is fun, it's 'fun-cio-nando'.

Visual Association

Imagine a green light on a machine, signaling that it is 'funcionando'.

Word Web

Máquina Sistema Estar Bem Mal Luz Internet Relógio

Challenge

Try to find five things in your room that are 'funcionando' and say them out loud.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'functio', meaning 'performance' or 'execution'.

Original meaning: The act of performing a duty or task.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid calling a person 'funcionando' as it is dehumanizing (makes them sound like a machine).

English speakers often say 'I am working' for both jobs and machines. Portuguese speakers never do this.

'O Mecanismo' (Netflix series about the 'functioning' of corruption) Common tech support phrase: 'Já tentou desligar e ligar de novo para ver se volta a funcionar?' Brazilian song lyrics often use 'funcionando' to describe the heart or love.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a hotel

O ar não está funcionando.
O Wi-Fi está funcionando?
A chave não está funcionando.
O chuveiro está funcionando.

At the office

A impressora está funcionando.
O sistema está funcionando?
O link está funcionando.
O projeto está funcionando.

With a mechanic

O motor está funcionando mal.
Os freios estão funcionando?
A bateria está funcionando.
Voltou a funcionar.

Public services

O metrô está funcionando?
O banco está funcionando hoje?
O hospital está funcionando.
O site não está funcionando.

Relationships/Life

Isso não está funcionando.
Nosso plano está funcionando.
O método está funcionando.
Nada está funcionando.

Conversation Starters

"O seu computador está funcionando bem hoje ou está lento?"

"Você sabe se o elevador do prédio está funcionando?"

"A sua estratégia para aprender português está funcionando?"

"O ar-condicionado está funcionando? Está muito calor aqui."

"Você já viu aquele novo aplicativo funcionando no celular?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um aparelho na sua casa que não está funcionando bem.

Descreva como o seu sistema de organização pessoal está funcionando.

O que você faz quando a internet para de funcionar de repente?

Pense em um plano que você fez. Ele está funcionando como você esperava?

Como está funcionando a sua rotina de exercícios físicos ultimamente?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'trabalhando'. If you say 'estou funcionando', it sounds like you are a robot or a piece of equipment.

'Funciona' is a general fact (e.g., this model works). 'Está funcionando' refers to the current state (it is working right now).

The most common way is 'não está funcionando'. You can also see signs that say 'Defeito' or 'Fora de serviço'.

Grammatically, it is the gerund of the verb 'funcionar', but it often functions as an adjective describing the state of an object.

Yes, it is common to say 'Nosso relacionamento não está funcionando' to mean it is not going well.

It is a nasal vowel. Close your mouth slightly and let the air go through your nose. It sounds like the 'um' in 'hum'.

In Brazil, 'está funcionando' is standard. In Portugal, people often say 'está a funcionar'.

No, gerunds in Portuguese are invariable. It is always 'funcionando' regardless of the subject.

Usually 'quebrado' (broken), 'parado' (stopped), or simply 'não está funcionando'.

Yes, you can say 'O remédio está funcionando' to mean the medicine is having the desired effect.