problema
/pro-BLEH-mah/
problem
A tangled knot of rope is a classic visual metaphor for a difficult *problema* (problem or issue) that needs to be resolved.
problema(Noun)
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Surprise: It's 'el problema'!
Even though 'problema' ends in '-a', it's a masculine word. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it, like 'el problema' or 'un gran problema'. This is a rule for many words ending in '-ma' that come from the Greek language.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'la' instead of 'el'
Mistake: "Tengo la problema."
Correction: Tengo el problema. Just remember the pattern: words ending in '-ma' are often masculine boys in disguise!
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To Phrase: 'No hay problema'
The phrase 'No hay problema' is the perfect, natural way to say 'No problem' or 'It's okay'. Use it when someone apologizes or thanks you for something.
In academic settings, *problema* refers to a question or exercise, like a puzzle, that requires a solution.
problema(Noun)
📝 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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When you hear 'problema' in a classroom or see it in a textbook, it's very likely talking about an academic exercise or a question to be solved, not a personal difficulty.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: problema
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
📚 More Resources
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'.