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Italian Phrase

Questo bancomat funziona?

/ˈkwɛs.to ˈbaŋ.koˈmat fun.t͡sjoˈna/
Meaning"Does this ATM work?"
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Meaning

Literally, “Does this ATM work?” It is used to ask whether a particular cash‑dispensing machine is operational, especially when you’re about to try withdrawing money.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you approach an ATM in a bank, shopping centre, or train station and you’re unsure if it’s functional. It’s also handy when you see a line of people and want to confirm the machine isn’t out of service.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Questobancomatfunziona?

1

Questo (demonstrative adjective)

Matches the gender and number of the noun it modifies; here 'bancomat' is masculine singular, so 'questo' is used.

2

bancomat (masculine noun)

A loanword from English, used in Italy to refer to an ATM (automated teller machine).

3

funziona (present indicative)

Third‑person singular of the intransitive verb 'funzionare' meaning 'to work, to operate'.

4

Question intonation

Raising intonation at the end of the sentence signals a yes/no question; the written question mark reinforces this.

🗨In Conversation

A

Questo bancomat funziona?

Does this ATM work?

Sì, funziona perfettamente.

Yes, it works perfectly.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Questo bancomat è funzionare?

    Use the conjugated form 'funziona' instead of the infinitive after 'è'.

  • Questo bancomat fa?

    The verb 'fare' means 'to do/make' and does not convey the idea of a machine operating.

  • Questi bancomat funziona?

    The noun is singular; use 'questo' not the plural 'questi' unless you refer to multiple ATMs.

↔Alternatives

  • Questo sportello automatico funziona?

    Does this automatic teller work?

  • Questo bancomat è operativo?

    Is this ATM operational?

  • Questo bancomat funziona bene?

    Does this ATM work well?

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Cultural Tip

In Italy the word 'bancomat' is widely understood, but in some regions people also say 'sportello automatico' or simply 'ATM'. When speaking to bank staff, a more formal version—'Questo sportello automatico è operativo?'—can sound more polite. Remember that Italians often add a brief 'per favore' if they’re asking for a favor, e.g., 'Per favore, questo bancomat funziona?'