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

dificultades

dee-fee-kool-TAH-dehs

NounfA2

difficulties?challenges or obstacles,problems?general issues

Also:troubles?personal or financial issues,hardships?severe challenges

📝 In Action

Tuvimos muchas dificultades para conseguir las entradas.

We had many difficulties getting the tickets.

Superaron las dificultades económicas del primer año de matrimonio.

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

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

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

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine and Plural

Dificultades is the plural form of the feminine word dificultad. Always use feminine words like las (the) or muchas (many) with it.

Using 'Tener' to Express Problems

When you want to say you are experiencing a problem, use the verb tener (to have): Tengo dificultades para levantarme (I have difficulties getting up).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing Gender Articles

Mistake: "*Los dificultades* (Using the masculine 'los')."

Correction: Always use the feminine article *las*: *Las dificultades*.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Informal

Dificultades is a slightly more formal and precise word than problemas and is often used when discussing academic, technical, or financial challenges.

✏️ 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

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).