Inklingo

How to Say "issues" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “issues” is “problemas” — use 'problemas' when referring to difficulties, troubles, or things that are causing concern or requiring a solution..

problemas🔊A1

Use 'problemas' when referring to difficulties, troubles, or things that are causing concern or requiring a solution.

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temas🔊A1

Choose 'temas' when 'issues' refers to subjects, topics, or matters that are up for discussion or need to be addressed, especially in a formal or organized setting.

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asuntos🔊A1

Use 'asuntos' for general matters, affairs, or business that need attention, often implying a broader scope than specific problems.

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cuestiones🔊A2

Opt for 'cuestiones' when 'issues' refers to specific points of debate, matters of contention, or significant questions that require consideration or resolution.

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extiende🔊B1

Use 'extiende' (from the verb 'extender') specifically when 'issues' refers to the act of extending or prolonging something, like a stay or a document.

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English → Spanish

problemas

/pro-BLEH-mas//pɾoˈβle.mas/

nounA1general
Use 'problemas' when referring to difficulties, troubles, or things that are causing concern or requiring a solution.
A small person standing on a path facing a giant, colorful stack of heavy, mismatched blocks and walls that completely block the way forward, symbolizing difficulties.

Examples

Tengo muchos problemas en el trabajo.

I have a lot of problems at work.

No hay problemas, podemos hacerlo mañana.

No problem, we can do it tomorrow.

Los problemas económicos afectan a todo el país.

The economic problems affect the whole country.

A Tricky Gender

Even though its singular form 'problema' ends in '-a', it's a masculine word. So we say 'un problema' and 'los problemas', not 'la' or 'las'.

Singular for 'No Problem'

Mistake: “Using 'problemas' to say 'no problem'.”

Correction: For the friendly phrase 'No problem!', use the singular form: 'No hay problema'. Use the plural 'No hay problemas' to say 'There are no problems'.

temas

TEH-mahs/ˈte.mas/

nounA1general
Choose 'temas' when 'issues' refers to subjects, topics, or matters that are up for discussion or need to be addressed, especially in a formal or organized setting.
A collection of objects representing different subjects of discussion: a small globe, a simplified drawing of a heart, and a stack of colorful books, all resting on a wooden table.

Examples

Necesitamos discutir los temas más importantes de la agenda.

We need to discuss the most important topics on the agenda.

El libro aborda temas complejos como la migración y la identidad.

The book addresses complex themes like migration and identity.

Hay muchos temas que me interesan en esa conferencia.

There are many subjects that interest me at that conference.

Masculine Noun Ending in -a

Even though 'tema' ends in -a, it is a masculine word. Remember to use masculine articles and adjectives: 'los temas' and 'temas importantes', not 'las temas'.

Using the Feminine Article

Mistake: “La temas son difíciles.”

Correction: Los temas son difíciles. (Use 'los' because 'tema' is masculine.)

asuntos

/a-SOON-tos//aˈsuntos/

nounA1general
Use 'asuntos' for general matters, affairs, or business that need attention, often implying a broader scope than specific problems.
A storybook illustration showing two individuals sitting across a table, seriously discussing a stack of papers, symbolizing important matters.

Examples

Necesito hablar contigo sobre unos asuntos importantes.

I need to talk to you about some important matters.

¿Cuáles son los asuntos en la agenda de hoy?

What are the issues on today's agenda?

Always Masculine Plural

Even though 'asuntos' ends in '-os', remember that the word itself is masculine, so any adjectives or determiners (like 'los' or 'esos') must also be masculine plural.

cuestiones

/kwes-TYOH-nes//kwesˈtjones/

nounA2general
Opt for 'cuestiones' when 'issues' refers to specific points of debate, matters of contention, or significant questions that require consideration or resolution.
A group of colorful folders and papers spread across a wooden table, representing different topics.

Examples

Hay algunas cuestiones que debemos resolver hoy.

There are some matters we need to resolve today.

Es una de las cuestiones más importantes del proyecto.

It is one of the most important issues of the project.

Always Feminine

Even though it doesn't end in 'a', this word is feminine. Use 'las' or 'unas' with it.

Cuestiones vs. Preguntas

Mistake: “Using 'cuestiones' when you are literally asking for an answer.”

Correction: Use 'preguntas' for a question you ask a teacher; use 'cuestiones' for a topic or a matter being analyzed.

extiende

/eks-TYEN-deh//eksˈtjende/

verbB1general
Use 'extiende' (from the verb 'extender') specifically when 'issues' refers to the act of extending or prolonging something, like a stay or a document.
A winding road stretching far into the distance toward a bright sun on the horizon.

Examples

El hotel extiende mi estancia un día más.

The hotel extends my stay for one more day.

El banco extiende el cheque a tu nombre.

The bank issues the check in your name.

Problems vs. Matters vs. Topics

The most common confusion is between 'problemas', 'temas', and 'asuntos'. Remember that 'problemas' implies difficulty or trouble, while 'temas' are neutral subjects for discussion, and 'asuntos' are broader affairs or business. Use 'cuestiones' for specific points of debate or concern.

Related Translations

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