Inklingo

How to Say "issue" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “issue” is “problema” — use 'problema' when referring to a difficulty, a challenge, or a point of concern that needs a solution..

problema🔊A1

Use 'problema' when referring to a difficulty, a challenge, or a point of concern that needs a solution.

{ui.learnMore}
asunto🔊B1

Choose 'asunto' for a matter, affair, or situation that needs to be handled or dealt with, often in a neutral or formal context.

{ui.learnMore}
cuestiónB1

Use 'cuestión' to refer to a topic of debate, a subject under discussion, or a significant problem that is being considered.

{ui.learnMore}
tema🔊A2

Opt for 'tema' when 'issue' refers to the main subject or topic of a discussion, presentation, or piece of work.

{ui.learnMore}
cosa🔊A2

Use 'cosa' informally to refer to a topic or matter when the specific noun is less important than the general idea being conveyed.

{ui.learnMore}
número🔊B1

Use 'número' specifically when referring to an edition or installment of a periodical like a magazine or newspaper.

{ui.learnMore}
conflicto🔊B1

Choose 'conflicto' when 'issue' refers to an internal struggle, a disagreement, or a clash between opposing forces or ideas.

{ui.learnMore}
materia🔊B2

Use 'materia' in formal contexts to refer to a subject area, especially concerning policy, law, or a field of expertise.

{ui.learnMore}
ediciónA2

Use 'edición' when 'issue' refers to a specific published version of a book, newspaper, or magazine.

{ui.learnMore}
lanzar🔊B2

Use 'lanzar' when 'issue' means to throw, hurl, launch, or to release something, like a sound or a product.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

problema

/pro-BLEH-mah//pɾoˈβle.ma/

NounA1General
Use 'problema' when referring to a difficulty, a challenge, or a point of concern that needs a solution.
A small, wide-eyed person looking overwhelmed by a giant, brightly colored, complicated knot of tangled rope.

Examples

Tengo un pequeño problema, ¿me puedes ayudar?

I have a small problem, can you help me?

No te preocupes, no hay problema.

Don't worry, there's no problem.

El principal problema es la falta de comunicación.

The main problem is the lack of communication.

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.

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!

asunto

/ah-SOON-toh//aˈsunto/

NounB1General
Choose 'asunto' for a matter, affair, or situation that needs to be handled or dealt with, often in a neutral or formal context.
A focused character carrying a massive, towering stack of colorful folders marked with simple abstract symbols, representing pending business or matters to resolve.

Examples

Tengo que resolver un asunto personal esta tarde.

I have to take care of a personal matter this afternoon.

La falta de agua es un asunto muy grave en esta región.

The lack of water is a very serious issue in this region.

No te metas en mis asuntos.

Don't meddle in my business/affairs.

Confusing with 'Negocio'

Mistake: “Using 'negocio' for any kind of 'business' you have to do. 'Negocio' is almost always about commerce or a company.”

Correction: If you mean a personal task or issue, use 'asunto'. Say 'Tengo un asunto importante' (I have an important matter), not 'Tengo un negocio importante' unless you're talking about a business deal.

cuestión

NounB1General
Use 'cuestión' to refer to a topic of debate, a subject under discussion, or a significant problem that is being considered.

Examples

La cuestión de la vivienda es muy grave en esta ciudad.

The issue of housing is very serious in this city.

tema

/TEH-mah//ˈte.ma/

NounA2General
Opt for 'tema' when 'issue' refers to the main subject or topic of a discussion, presentation, or piece of work.
Two simplified cartoon characters sitting at a small table, both looking intently at a single, brightly colored, stylized apple placed in the center of the table, representing the focus of their conversation.

Examples

El tema principal de la reunión es el nuevo proyecto.

The main topic of the meeting is the new project.

No quiero hablar de ese tema ahora.

I don't want to talk about that subject now.

La amistad es un tema central en la novela.

Friendship is a central theme in the novel.

Masculine Nouns Ending in '-a'

Surprise! Even though 'tema' ends in '-a', it's a masculine word. You always say 'el tema' or 'un tema'. This is common for words that originally came from the Greek language, like 'problema', 'idioma', and 'mapa'.

Using the Wrong Gender

Mistake: “Me interesa *la tema* de la película.”

Correction: Me interesa *el tema* de la película. Remember, 'tema' is masculine, so it needs 'el', not 'la'.

cosa

/KOH-sah//ˈkosa/

NounA2Informal
Use 'cosa' informally to refer to a topic or matter when the specific noun is less important than the general idea being conveyed.
Two people sitting at a cafe table, looking concerned and talking seriously, with one person gesturing to explain a point.

Examples

La cosa es que no tengo dinero.

The thing is, I don't have any money.

Es una cosa de familia.

It's a family matter.

Hay otra cosa que quiero decirte.

There's another thing I want to tell you.

número

/NOO-meh-roh//ˈnu.me.ɾo/

NounB1General
Use 'número' specifically when referring to an edition or installment of a periodical like a magazine or newspaper.
A single magazine lying flat, featuring a unique, bright illustration of a summer beach scene on its cover, representing a specific edition.

Examples

El último número de la revista trae un artículo interesante.

The latest issue of the magazine brings an interesting article.

El mago realizó su mejor número de cartas.

The magician performed his best card trick (act).

conflicto

kohn-FLEEK-toh/konˈflikto/

NounB1General
Choose 'conflicto' when 'issue' refers to an internal struggle, a disagreement, or a clash between opposing forces or ideas.
A simple cartoon figure sitting down and holding their head in frustration, with a bright sun on one side and a dark storm cloud on the other side of their head, symbolizing internal conflict.

Examples

Sufre de un conflicto interno sobre si debe cambiar de carrera.

He suffers from an internal conflict about whether he should change careers.

La novela explora el conflicto entre el deber y el deseo.

The novel explores the conflict between duty and desire.

Using 'tener'

You often use the verb 'tener' (to have) when talking about internal conflicts: 'Tengo un conflicto con esa idea' (I have an issue with that idea).

materia

/mah-TEH-reeah//maˈteɾja/

NounB2Formal
Use 'materia' in formal contexts to refer to a subject area, especially concerning policy, law, or a field of expertise.
Two figures sitting at a table engaged in a conversation, focused on a centrally hovering, brightly glowing lightbulb, symbolizing a topic or idea.

Examples

El presidente es la máxima autoridad en materia de seguridad nacional.

The president is the highest authority on the topic of national security.

El cobre es una materia prima esencial para la industria electrónica.

Copper is an essential raw material for the electronics industry.

Fixed Phrase Usage

This meaning is often found in the fixed phrase 'en materia de...' (in the area of...), which introduces the topic being discussed in a formal setting.

edición

NounA2General
Use 'edición' when 'issue' refers to a specific published version of a book, newspaper, or magazine.

Examples

La primera edición de ese libro se agotó en un día.

The first edition of that book sold out in one day.

lanzar

lahn-ZAHR/lanˈθaɾ/

VerbB2General
Use 'lanzar' when 'issue' means to throw, hurl, launch, or to release something, like a sound or a product.
A cartoon figure standing on a small hill, cupping their hands around their mouth and shouting loudly, illustrated by strong visual lines indicating sound waves.

Examples

El público lanzó un grito de alegría al ver al cantante.

The audience let out a cry of joy upon seeing the singer.

El director lanzó una advertencia severa a los empleados.

The director issued a severe warning to the employees.

Problem vs. Topic vs. Publication

Learners often confuse 'problema' (a difficulty), 'cuestión' or 'tema' (a subject for discussion), and 'número' or 'edición' (a publication). Remember that 'problema' implies something to be solved, while 'cuestión' and 'tema' are more about what is being discussed. 'Número' and 'edición' are specifically for print media.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.