Spanish Conversation · Level 162
29 words
Spanish word
problemático
Pronunciation
IPA/pɾoβleˈmatiko/
Meaning
- adjectiveproblematic
Example
Esta situación es problemática.
This situation is problematic.
More examples
En una familia problemática, las discusiones suelen aumentar.
In a troubled family, arguments tend to increase.
Core concept
A gear stuck and jamming a machine.
Common phrases
situación problemática
problematic situation
familia problemática
troubled family
Similar words
difícil: Hard to do or solve, needing much effort or skill.
complicado: Intricate in structure or circumstances, taking time to sort out or understand.
complejo: Having many interrelated parts or layers that resist simple handling.
delicado: Requires careful handling because mistakes or misunderstandings easily arise.
Definition in Spanish
Que provoca complicaciones que hacen una situación engorrosa o poco manejable.
Word origin
The adjective comes from Spanish problema, ultimately from Greek problēma via Latin, plus the adjectival suffix -ático to mean related to or causing a problem.
Usage tips
- It often sounds like a strong judgment, so speakers commonly soften it with a phrase such as resulta problemático rather than calling someone or something directly problematic.