Funcionar vs. andar vs. marchar
In Spanish, while funcionar, andar, and marchar can all mean to work in the context of machines or equipment, they differ in formality and regional usage. Funcionar is the standard term, whereas andar and marchar are more colloquial alternatives.
Funcionar
A2This is the most standard, universal, and formal verb to express that a machine, device, system, or even a plan is working correctly. It is the safest choice in any context and is understood everywhere.
El aire acondicionado dejó de funcionar de repente.
(The air conditioning suddenly stopped working.)
Mi ordenador nuevo funciona muy rápido.
(My new computer works very fast.)
Para que el plan funcione, todos debemos colaborar.
(For the plan to work, we all must collaborate.)
¿Funciona el ascensor de este edificio?
(Does the elevator in this building work?)
La impresora no funciona porque no tiene tinta.
(The printer doesn't work because it has no ink.)
Andar
B1This is a very common and colloquial alternative to funcionar. While its primary meaning is to walk, it is frequently used in everyday conversation in many Spanish-speaking regions to say that a device works. It sounds more informal and natural in casual speech.
La lavadora no anda, tendré que llamar a un técnico.
(The washing machine isn't working, I'll have to call a technician.)
Mi móvil anda un poco lento desde la última actualización.
(My phone is working a bit slow since the last update.)
¿Te anda bien la conexión a internet?
(Is your internet connection working well?)
El coche es viejo, pero todavía anda perfectamente.
(The car is old, but it still works perfectly.)
El ventilador no anda, y hace mucho calor aquí.
(The fan isn't working, and it's very hot in here.)
Marchar
B2This is another informal substitute for funcionar, most commonly heard in Spain. Like andar, its primary meaning is different (to march or to leave). In this context, it often implies that something is running smoothly, like an engine or a clock. It is generally less common than andar.
El motor de la moto marcha de maravilla.
(The motorcycle's engine works wonderfully.)
Con las pilas nuevas, el reloj marcha perfectamente.
(With new batteries, the clock works perfectly.)
Después de la limpieza, el lavavajillas marcha como nuevo.
(After the cleaning, the dishwasher works like new.)
La calefacción no marcha bien, la casa está fría.
(The heating isn't working well, the house is cold.)
Todo marcha sobre ruedas desde que instalamos el nuevo software.
(Everything is running smoothly since we installed the new software.)
Summary
To summarize, funcionar is the standard, neutral, and universally understood term suitable for any situation. Andar is a very common informal equivalent used widely in casual conversation. Marchar is also an informal option, used mainly in Spain, often to suggest that a machine is running smoothly. When in doubt, or in any formal context, always use funcionar.