Inklingo

How to Say "difficulties" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dificultades

dee-fee-kool-TAH-dehs/di.fi.kulˈta.ðes/

NounA2General
Use 'dificultades' for general challenges, obstacles, or struggles that you encounter when trying to do something.
A small stylized character stands on a simple dirt path, facing a huge, insurmountable grey rock wall that completely blocks the way forward.

Examples

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.

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).

Mixing Gender Articles

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

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

complicaciones

kom-plee-kah-SYOH-ness/komplikaˈsjones/

NounB1General
Use 'complicaciones' when referring to specific problems or setbacks that make a situation more complex or harder to manage, often unexpectedly.
A person on a bicycle encountering a large pile of tangled ropes blocking a path.

Examples

Hubo algunas complicaciones de último minuto con el viaje.

There were some last-minute complications with the trip.

Queremos un proceso sencillo, sin complicaciones.

We want a simple process, without complications.

Plural and Gender

This is the plural form of 'complicación'. Because it ends in '-ción' in its singular form, it is a feminine word. You should always use it with 'las', 'unas', or feminine adjectives like 'muchas'.

Spelling the Plural

Mistake: “complicaciónes”

Correction: complicaciones. In Spanish, words ending in '-ción' lose their accent mark when they become plural.

Dificultades vs. Complicaciones

Learners often use 'complicaciones' too broadly. Remember that 'dificultades' is the more general term for any kind of obstacle. Reserve 'complicaciones' for when a situation becomes unexpectedly more complex or problematic.

Related Translations

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