Spanish word

problema

Pronunciation

IPA/pɾoˈβlema/

Meaning

  • masculine nounproblem

Example

No hay problema.

There is no problem.

Illustration for problema (problem)

More examples

Primero debemos resolver un problema.

First we must solve a problem.

Core concept

An obstacle blocking progress that requires a solution.

Common phrases

  • tener un problema

    have a problem

  • resolver un problema

    solve a problem

  • plantear un problema

    raise a problem

Similar words

dificultad: Makes achieving a goal or task more difficult.
inconveniente: Causes inconvenience for planned activities or actions.
contratiempo: Disrupts plans through an unexpected setback.
asunto: Demands attention as a matter that must be handled.

Definition in Spanish

Situación o asunto que causa dificultad o impide el curso normal de algo y que requiere una solución.

Word origin

Spanish problema derives from Greek πρόβλημα 'a thing thrown forward' via Latin and denotes an obstacle or difficulty that blocks progress and needs a solution.

Usage tips

  • Despite ending in -a, problema is grammatically masculine in Spanish, so use el problema rather than la problema.

Other meanings

  • difficultynoun
  • troublenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word