La máquina funciona bien.

The machine works well.

Breakdown of La máquina funciona bien.

• bien: well
• la máquina: the machine
• funcionar: to work (to function)

Questions & Answers about La máquina funciona bien.

Why is la máquina used instead of el máquina?

In Spanish, máquina is a feminine noun, so it must take the feminine article la. Nouns ending in -a are often (though not always) feminine, and any noun recognized as feminine in Spanish will take la in the singular.

How do I know to use funciona instead of funcionar?

Funcionar is the infinitive form meaning "to function/work." In this sentence, we need the third-person singular present tense form, funciona, because la máquina is a singular subject (it).

Why is bien used rather than another word like bueno or buena?

Bien is an adverb meaning "well" and it modifies the verb funciona. Bueno/buena are adjectives meaning "good," which typically describe nouns. Since we’re describing how the machine works (the action), we use the adverb bien.

Could I say La máquina está funcionando bien instead?

Yes, you can. Está funcionando is the present progressive tense, placing emphasis on the machine "currently functioning/working." However, in general statements or observations, the simple present often suffices: La máquina funciona bien.

Is it correct to say La máquina trabaja bien?