Question 1

Why is it funcione with an 'e' instead of funciona with an 'a'?

Accepted Answer

Because of the phrase Es imposible que (It is impossible that). When we use es + adjective + que to state an opinion, valuation, or doubt, it triggers the subjunctive mood in the second part of the sentence. Since funcionar (to work) is an '-ar' verb, its present subjunctive form for 'it' (the process) changes the ending to '-e', giving us funcione.

Question 2

In English the translation says 'for the process to work', so why don't we use the infinitive funcionar in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

English often uses 'for [something] to do [something]' after impersonal expressions. Spanish doesn't build sentences this way. Instead, Spanish requires a new clause using que (that) followed by a conjugated verb. Literally, the Spanish sentence says 'It is impossible that the process works well.'

Question 3

Can funcionar just mean 'to work'? Doesn't it mean 'to function'?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both are correct! While funcionar does mean 'to function', it is the standard way to say that a machine, system, or process 'works' (operates correctly). You wouldn't use trabajar (to work) here, because trabajar is strictly for a person doing a job or labor.

Question 4

Why do we use bien instead of bueno here?

Accepted Answer

Bien means 'well' and it is an adverb, which means it describes how the process works (modifying the verb funcione). Bueno means 'good' and is an adjective used to describe nouns, so you would only use it if you were describing the process itself, like 'a good process' (un buen proceso).

Es imposible que el proceso funcione bien.

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