It doesn't work
A very common alternative, literally 'it doesn't serve'. Use this for objects that have lost their purpose or utility, like a pen without ink or a dull knife.
Means 'it's broken down' or 'out of order'. Perfect for electronics, appliances, and vehicles. Use 'descompuesto' for masculine nouns (el carro) and 'descompuesta' for feminine nouns (la computadora).
Means 'it's damaged'. This implies something is broken due to external force, like being dropped. Use 'dañado' for masculine nouns (el celular) and 'dañada' for feminine nouns (la pantalla).
The remote control doesn't work. Can you change the batteries?
This charger is no good. My phone isn't charging.
I need to call a technician. The washing machine is broken down.
The elevator isn't working, we have to use the stairs.
'No funciona' and 'no sirve' are universally understood and used everywhere.
In informal situations, it's very common to hear 'no jala', which literally means 'it doesn't pull'.
'No anda' is extremely common for machines, electronics, and cars. It literally means 'it doesn't go' or 'it doesn't walk'.
'No funciona' is the standard. For a car or machine breakdown, they often use 'está averiado' instead of 'está descompuesto'.
'Está dañado' is used very frequently, often as a direct synonym for 'no funciona', even if the cause of the damage isn't obvious.
Using 'no trabaja' — The verb 'trabajar' means 'to work' but is only used for people and their jobs. For machines and objects, you must use 'funcionar'. Saying 'la tele no trabaja' is incorrect; the correct phrase is 'la tele no funciona'.
Saying 'Es no funciona' — English speakers often incorrectly add 'es' ('is') before the phrase. The correct structure is simply 'No' + the verb. For example, 'No funciona', not 'Es no funciona'.
Overusing 'está roto' — 'Roto' means 'broken', but it usually implies something is physically shattered or torn. For a machine that simply won't turn on, 'no funciona' or 'está descompuesto' is more appropriate. A 'vaso roto' is a shattered glass; a 'teléfono que no funciona' is a phone that won't turn on.
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