Inklingo
← Dictionary

dificultades

dee-fee-kool-TAH-dehsdi.fi.kulˈta.ðes

“dificultades” means “difficulties” in Spanish (challenges or obstacles).

difficulties, problems

Also: troubles, hardships
NounfA2
A small stylized character stands on a simple dirt path, facing a huge, insurmountable grey rock wall that completely blocks the way forward.

📝 In Action

Tuvimos muchas dificultades para conseguir las entradas.

A2

We had many difficulties getting the tickets.

Superaron las dificultades económicas del primer año de matrimonio.

B1

They overcame the economic difficulties of the first year of marriage.

A pesar de las dificultades técnicas, el proyecto fue un éxito.

B2

Despite the technical problems, the project was a success.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • problemas (problems)
  • obstáculos (obstacles)
  • desafíos (challenges)

Antonyms

  • facilidades (ease/amenities)
  • ventajas (advantages)

Common Collocations

  • tener dificultades – to have difficulties
  • superar las dificultades – to overcome the difficulties
  • grandes dificultades – major difficulties

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "dificultades" in Spanish:

difficulties→hardships→problems→troubles→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: dificultades

Question 1 of 2

Which verb is most commonly used to express that you are experiencing problems?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
dificultad(difficulty (singular)) — Noun
difícil(difficult) — Adjective
difícilmente(with difficulty / hardly) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *difficultas*, meaning 'hardship' or 'trouble.' The ending '-tad' is a common way to form Spanish nouns from Latin.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish (similar forms dating back to the 13th century)

Cognates (Related words)

English: difficultyFrench: difficultés

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is *dificultades* interchangeable with *problemas*?

Yes, they are often interchangeable, but *dificultades* tends to be used more formally or when referring specifically to challenges that require effort or skill to overcome (like technical or academic challenges). *Problemas* is a broader, more general word for 'issues'.

How do I use *dificultades* to explain why I can't do something?

You can use the structure *tener dificultades para* + [verb]: 'Tengo dificultades para concentrarme' (I have difficulties concentrating).