How to Say ‘Sorry, the card machine isn't working.’ in Spain Spanish
Lo siento, el datáfono no funciona.
loh SYEN-toh el dah-TAH-foh-noh noh foon-syoh-nah
[loh SYEN-toh el dah-TAH-foh-noh noh foon-syoh-nah]
🇪🇸 In Spain: In Madrid, Barcelona and many other Spanish cities, licensed taxis are required to accept cards. A "broken" machine is a well-known way to push for cash, so it's reasonable to calmly insist or ask to try again.
Phrase Breakdown
Lo siento,
loh SYEN-toh
I'm sorry
This is the standard apology. Stress 'SIEN-to'.
Lo siento, no lo sé.
I'm sorry, I don't know.
Words in this phrase
Lo
[loh]
it (in 'lo siento')
Part of the fixed apology 'lo siento' (I'm sorry); literally 'I feel it'.
Lo siento mucho.
I'm very sorry.
siento
[SYEN-toh]
I feel
From the verb 'sentirse'; used to say how you feel physically or emotionally.
Cuando el conductor cambia de ruta, siento que debo explicarme mejor.
When the driver changes route, I feel that I should explain myself better.
el datáfono
el dah-TAH-foh-noh
the card machine
This is the card payment terminal. Say 'el da-TÁ-fo-no'.
Pase la tarjeta por el datáfono.
Swipe the card on the card machine.
Words in this phrase
el
[el]
The (masculine singular)
A definite article used before a singular masculine noun.
El centro es donde está la acción.
The center is where the action is.
datáfono
[dah-TAH-foh-noh]
card machine
In Spain, datáfono means the device used to charge by bank card.
El datáfono está encendido, pero no procesa el pago.
The card machine is on, but it does not process the payment.
no funciona.
noh foon-syoh-nah
isn't working
This is a negated verb. Say 'no fun-THIO-na'.
El wifi no funciona.
The wifi isn't working.
Words in this phrase
no
[noh]
not
Basic negative word placed before the verb in Spanish.
No veo el taxi aquí.
I do not see the taxi here.
funciona
[foon-syoh-nah]
works / is working
From funcionar; used to say a machine, service, or system works.
El lector funciona ahora, aunque antes no funciona bien en este taxi.
The reader works now, although earlier it was not working well in this taxi.
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