Spanish Phrase
El cajero no funciona ahora.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that the ATM is currently out of service. It emphasizes the present moment, implying that the problem may be temporary.
When to use
Use this phrase when you discover an out‑of‑order ATM, when you need to explain why you can’t withdraw cash, or when you’re helping a traveler locate a working machine.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Elcajeronofuncionaahora.
Definite Article (El)
El is the masculine singular definite article, used here to specify a particular ATM.
Noun (cajero)
Cajero means “cash‑machine/ATM”. In many countries the full term is cajero automático.
Negation (no)
No precedes the verb to make the sentence negative.
Verb (funciona)
Funciona is the third‑person singular present indicative of funcionar – “to work, to function”.
Adverb of Time (ahora)
Ahora means “right now, at this moment”. It tells the listener that the problem is current.
🗨In Conversation
¿El cajero funciona?
Is the ATM working?
No, el cajero no funciona ahora.
No, the ATM isn’t working right now.
✕Common Mistakes
cajero no funciona ahora.
Missing the definite article ‘El’ makes the sentence sound incomplete.
El cajero no funciona ahora mismo.
‘Ahora mismo’ is redundant here; ‘ahora’ already conveys immediacy.
El cajero no funciona ahora, está cerrado.
Mixing a machine’s malfunction with a shop’s opening hours can be confusing; use ‘fuera de servicio’ for a clearer meaning.
↔Alternatives
El cajero está fuera de servicio.
The ATM is out of service.
El cajero está roto.
The ATM is broken.
El cajero no está operando en este momento.
The ATM isn’t operating at this moment.
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries the word cajero alone can also mean a bank teller, so it’s safer to say cajero automático when you’re talking about an ATM. In Latin America the verb funcionar is common for machines, while in Spain you’ll also hear estar fuera de servicio. Adjust your phrasing according to the region and the formality of the conversation.