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 dispute that needs a solution.
problema
pro-BLEH-mahpɾoˈβle.ma
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-tohaˈsunto
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.
tema
TEH-mahˈte.ma
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'.
cuestión
Examples
La cuestión de la vivienda es muy grave en esta ciudad.
The issue of housing is very serious in this city.
cosa
KOH-sahˈkosa
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.
numero
NOO-meh-rohˈnu.me.ɾo
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).
edición
Examples
La primera edición de ese libro se agotó en un día.
The first edition of that book sold out in one day.
conflicto
kohn-FLEEK-tohkonˈflikto
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).
incidencia
in-see-den-syahinθiˈdenθja
Examples
He tenido una incidencia con mi conexión a internet.
I've had an issue with my internet connection.
El técnico resolvió la incidencia en menos de una hora.
The technician resolved the incident in less than an hour.
Debes abrir un ticket para reportar cualquier incidencia en el software.
You must open a ticket to report any software glitch.
Always Feminine
Even if you are talking about a technical 'glitch' (usually masculine in English), 'la incidencia' is always a feminine word.
Confusing with 'Accident'
Mistake: “Usar 'incidencia' para un choque de coches grave.”
Correction: Use 'accidente' for serious physical crashes. 'Incidencia' is usually for minor delays or technical errors.
ejemplar
eh-hem-PLARexemˈplaɾ
Examples
He comprado un ejemplar de su nueva novela.
I have bought a copy of his new novel.
Solo quedan tres ejemplares en toda la biblioteca.
There are only three copies left in the whole library.
Vimos un ejemplar de lince ibérico en el bosque.
We saw a specimen of the Iberian lynx in the woods.
Always Masculine
Even if the book title is feminine, the word 'ejemplar' is always masculine: 'el ejemplar'.
Ejemplar vs. Ejemplo
Mistake: “Este es un buen ejemplar de por qué estudiar.”
Correction: Este es un buen ejemplo... Use 'ejemplo' for the abstract concept of an example, and 'ejemplar' for a physical copy or object.
emisión
Examples
La emisión de pasaportes se suspendió ayer.
The issuance of passports was suspended yesterday.
materia
mah-TEH-reeahmaˈteɾja
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.
lanzar
lahn-ZAHRlanˈθaɾ
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
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