Inklingo
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cuestión

/kwes-tee-OHN/

issue

A large, brightly colored ball of tangled yarn, symbolizing a complex issue or problem.

This tangled yarn represents a complex issue or problem (una cuestión).

cuestión(Noun)

fB1

issue

?

A subject or problem

,

matter

?

A topic or concern

Also:

subject

?

Topic of conversation

,

point

?

The central idea

📝 In Action

La cuestión de la vivienda es muy grave en esta ciudad.

B1

The issue of housing is very serious in this city.

Es solo cuestión de tiempo antes de que lo logremos.

A2

It's only a matter of time before we achieve it.

Aquí no es una cuestión de dinero, sino de principios.

B2

This isn't a matter of money, but of principles.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • la cuestión es... – the point/issue is...
  • cuestión de vida o muerte – matter of life or death
  • no hay cuestión – there is no doubt

Idioms & Expressions

  • meterse en cuestiones – to get involved in other people's problems

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'cuestión' is always feminine. Use 'la cuestión' (the issue) and plural 'las cuestiones' (the issues).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing with 'Pregunta'

Mistake: "Using 'cuestión' for a simple inquiry like 'What time is it?' (¿Cuál es la cuestión?)."

Correction: Use 'pregunta' for simple inquiries. 'Cuestión' is better for complex topics, disputes, or subjects.

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'Matter Of' Phrase

The phrase 'es cuestión de' is extremely common and means 'it depends on' or 'it is determined by': 'Es cuestión de suerte' (It’s a matter of luck).

A simple, stylized child character sitting on the ground, looking up thoughtfully at a small, softly glowing mystical blue orb.

A deep inquiry or question (una cuestión) often requires thoughtful contemplation.

cuestión(Noun)

fB2

question

?

An inquiry, especially a difficult or philosophical one

Also:

doubt

?

A point of skepticism

📝 In Action

No quiso responder a mi cuestión sobre el futuro de la empresa.

B2

He didn't want to answer my question about the future of the company.

Puso en cuestión la validez de los resultados del experimento.

C2

He questioned (put into doubt) the validity of the experiment's results.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pregunta (question (simple inquiry))
  • interrogante (query/puzzle)

Common Collocations

  • poner en cuestión – to question/to challenge
  • responder a una cuestión – to answer a question

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Context

In this meaning, 'cuestión' sounds more formal and serious than 'pregunta.' Use it when addressing deep issues, political questions, or academic doubts.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: cuestión

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'cuestión' to mean 'matter' or 'issue'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

cuestionar(to question/to challenge) - verb
cuestionable(questionable) - adjective
cuestionario(questionnaire) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'cuestión' and 'pregunta'?

'Pregunta' is used for simple, direct inquiries that require a factual answer (like 'What's your name?'). 'Cuestión' is broader; it usually means a subject, a problem, a topic of discussion, or a difficult inquiry that has no easy answer.

Is 'cuestión' masculine or feminine?

'Cuestión' is always feminine, so you must use 'la cuestión' (the issue) and any adjectives describing it must also be feminine (e.g., 'una cuestión difícil').