problema
“problema” means “problem” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
problem
Also: trouble, issue
📝 In Action
Tengo un pequeño problema, ¿me puedes ayudar?
A1I have a small problem, can you help me?
No te preocupes, no hay problema.
A1Don't worry, there's no problem.
El principal problema es la falta de comunicación.
A2The main problem is the lack of communication.
problem
Also: question, exercise
📝 In Action
No entiendo este problema de matemáticas.
A2I don't understand this math problem.
El profesor nos dio diez problemas para resolver en casa.
B1The teacher gave us ten problems to solve at home.
El libro plantea un problema filosófico muy interesante.
B2The book poses a very interesting philosophical problem.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: problema
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Greek word 'próblēma', which meant 'something thrown forward' or 'a question proposed for solution'. It entered the Spanish language through Latin.
First recorded: Around the 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 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
Why is 'problema' masculine if it ends in '-a'?
It's part of a special group of Spanish words that come from the Greek language. Many of these words end in '-ma', '-pa', or '-ta' and are masculine, even though they look feminine. Other common examples are 'el mapa' (the map), 'el planeta' (the planet), and 'el tema' (the theme).
What's the difference between 'problema' and 'cuestión'?
A 'problema' is usually something negative that needs a solution, like a difficulty or a challenge. A 'cuestión' is more neutral, like a topic to be discussed, a matter to be considered, or a question. Think of 'problema' as 'trouble' and 'cuestión' as 'issue' or 'matter'.