Portuguese Phrase
Esse caixa eletrônico tá funcionando?
Meaning
You are asking whether the ATM in front of you is currently operational. The sentence is informal because of the colloquial ‘tá’. It can be used in everyday conversation when you need cash and want to confirm the machine works.
When to use
Use this phrase at banks, shopping malls, or any public place where an ATM is located, especially when you notice a screen that might be blank or a line of people waiting. It’s perfect for casual conversation with a friend, a store clerk, or a bank employee.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Essecaixaeletrônicotáfuncionando?
Esse (demonstrative)
‘Esse’ points to something near the listener; it agrees in gender and number with the noun that follows.
caixa eletrônico (noun phrase)
A compound noun meaning ‘ATM’; ‘caixa’ (cash box) + ‘eletrônico’ (electronic).
tá (colloquial estar)
‘Tá’ is the informal spoken contraction of the verb ‘estar’ (to be) in the third‑person singular present.
funcionando (present participle)
The gerund of ‘funcionar’ (to work, to operate) expresses a continuous state.
Question mark
In Portuguese, the interrogative sentence is marked only with the final ‘?’; the opening ‘¿’ is not used.
🗨In Conversation
Esse caixa eletrônico tá funcionando?
Is this ATM working?
Sim, está. Você pode usar.
Yes, it is. You can use it.
✕Common Mistakes
Esse caixa eletrônico é funcionando?
‘Ser’ describes permanent characteristics; use ‘está’ (or its colloquial form ‘tá’) for temporary states like an ATM working.
Esse caixa eletrônico tá funcionando?
In very formal writing, avoid the contraction ‘tá’; replace with ‘está’. The meaning stays the same.
↔Alternatives
Esse caixa eletrônico está funcionando?
Is this ATM working?
Esse caixa está em operação?
Is this ATM in operation?
Esse caixa está operando?
Is this ATM operating?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the informal ‘tá’ is extremely common in spoken Portuguese, but in formal settings (e.g., speaking to a bank manager) you should use ‘está’. Also, many ATMs display a small ‘Fora de serviço’ sign when they are down; noticing that sign can save you a wasted trip.