Inklingo

How to Say "drawback" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “drawback” is “contra” — use 'contra' when referring to an obstacle or a negative point within a balanced consideration, especially when weighing pros and cons..

English → Spanish

contra

/KON-tra//ˈkontɾa/

nounB1general
Use 'contra' when referring to an obstacle or a negative point within a balanced consideration, especially when weighing pros and cons.
A set of scales balancing a pile of dark, broken blocks against a pile of shiny, perfect gems, representing the cons and pros being weighed.

Examples

Antes de decidir, debemos analizar los pros y los contras.

Before deciding, we must analyze the pros and cons.

El único contra de este plan es el costo.

The only drawback of this plan is the cost.

Almost Always Plural

When used as a noun, contra is almost always seen in its plural form, los contras, especially when talking about the 'pros and cons' of a situation.

inconveniente

/een-kon-be-nyen-te//inkombeˈnjente/

nounB1general
Choose 'inconveniente' to express a disadvantage or a problem that causes inconvenience, often in a more formal or polite context.
A large, heavy boulder blocking a narrow path in a lush green forest.

Examples

¿Tienes algún inconveniente en que nos reunamos mañana?

Do you have any problem with us meeting tomorrow?

El único inconveniente del hotel es que está lejos del centro.

The only drawback of the hotel is that it is far from the center.

Hubo un pequeño inconveniente con el sistema de pagos.

There was a small hitch with the payment system.

Using 'en que'

When you follow this word with an action, use 'en que' followed by a special verb form (the subjunctive) to express doubt or requests, like 'inconveniente en que vengas'.

Don't just use 'problema'

Mistake: “Using 'problema' for everything.”

Correction: Use 'inconveniente' to sound more polite and sophisticated, especially in business or with strangers.

pega

PEH-gah/ˈpe.ɣa/

nounB1informal
Use 'pega' for a specific, often minor, disadvantage or complication associated with something, implying a slight annoyance.
A small, simple character walking along a smooth path, encountering a single, large, immovable gray boulder completely blocking the way forward, illustrating a setback.

Examples

La única pega de este trabajo es el horario nocturno.

The only drawback of this job is the night schedule.

Si no fuera por esa pega, lo compraría ahora mismo.

If it weren't for that hitch, I would buy it right now.

pero

/peh-roh//'pe.ɾo/

nounB2general
Employ 'pero' when referring to a single, specific drawback or flaw that stands out in an otherwise positive situation or plan.
A person's hand holding a magnifying glass over a shiny red apple, as if looking for a small flaw or objection.

Examples

El plan es casi perfecto, solo tiene un pero.

The plan is almost perfect, it just has one drawback.

No le pongas peros a todo lo que digo.

Don't find fault with everything I say.

Todo muy bonito, ¿dónde está el pero?

Everything is very nice, so where's the catch?

A Word for an Idea

When 'pero' is used like this, it's a noun—a word for a thing or an idea. Because it's a masculine noun, you'll see it with words like 'un', 'el', or 'ningún'.

Choosing Between 'Pega' and 'Inconveniente'

Learners often confuse 'pega' and 'inconveniente'. Remember that 'pega' is typically more informal and refers to a specific, sometimes minor, flaw, while 'inconveniente' is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to mean a disadvantage or problem.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.