French Phrase
Le distributeur marche en ce moment ?
Meaning
You are asking whether the vending machine is currently working. It is a practical question you might ask in an office, school, or public place when you need a drink or snack.
When to use
Use this sentence when you see a vending machine that looks out of order, or when you want to confirm with a colleague that the machine is functional before trying to use it.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ledistributeurmarcheencemoment?
Le (definite article)
Masculine singular definite article used before a noun.
distributeur (noun)
Masculine singular noun meaning 'vending machine' or 'distributor'.
marche (verb)
Third‑person singular present of marcher, here meaning 'to work' or 'to function'.
en ce moment (adverbial phrase)
Means 'right now' or 'at the moment', used to specify the current time.
Question formation
A simple yes/no question can be formed by intonation rise; the written form adds a question mark.
🗨In Conversation
Le distributeur marche en ce moment ?
Is the vending machine working right now?
Oui, il fonctionne, mais il faut insérer la monnaie d'abord.
Yes, it works, but you have to insert the coins first.
✕Common Mistakes
Distributeur marche en ce moment ?
Missing the definite article "Le" before the noun.
Le distributeur marche maintenant ?
"Maintenant" is acceptable, but "en ce moment" sounds more natural in everyday speech.
Le distributeur marche en ce moment
A question needs a question mark or rising intonation; without it the sentence becomes a statement.
↔Alternatives
Le distributeur fonctionne‑t‑il en ce moment ?
Is the vending machine functioning at the moment?
Est‑ce que le distributeur marche maintenant ?
Does the vending machine work now?
Le distributeur est‑il en marche ?
Is the vending machine in operation?
Cultural Tip
Vending machines are ubiquitous in French workplaces, schools, and train stations. While "Le distributeur marche en ce moment ?" is perfectly understandable, the more formal "Est‑ce que le distributeur marche maintenant ?" can be used in polite contexts. Remember that "marche" can also mean "market", so the surrounding context clarifies the meaning.