Inklingo

How to Say "issues" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “issues” is “problemas” — use 'problemas' when referring to specific difficulties, challenges, or things that need to be solved, often with a negative connotation.

problemas🔊A1

Use 'problemas' when referring to specific difficulties, challenges, or things that need to be solved, often with a negative connotation.

Learn more →
asuntos🔊A1

Use 'asuntos' for general matters, topics, or affairs that need attention or discussion, often neutral in tone.

Learn more →
temas🔊A1

Choose 'temas' when referring to subjects, topics, or themes, especially in the context of discussions, agendas, or studies.

Learn more →
cuestiones🔊A2

Use 'cuestiones' for points of concern, debatable matters, or specific questions that require consideration or resolution.

Learn more →
problemática🔊B2

Use 'problemática' to refer to the set of complex problems or difficulties related to a particular subject or situation.

Learn more →
extiende🔊B1

This is a verb form meaning 'extends' and is used when someone or something prolongs or expands something, like a stay or a document.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

problemas

pro-BLEH-maspɾoˈβle.mas

nounA1general
Use 'problemas' when referring to specific difficulties, challenges, or things that need to be solved, often with a negative connotation.
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'.

asuntos

a-SOON-tosaˈsuntos

nounA1general
Use 'asuntos' for general matters, topics, or affairs that need attention or discussion, often neutral in tone.
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.

temas

TEH-mahsˈte.mas

nounA1general
Choose 'temas' when referring to subjects, topics, or themes, especially in the context of discussions, agendas, or studies.
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.)

cuestiones

kwes-TYOH-neskwesˈtjones

nounA2general
Use 'cuestiones' for points of concern, debatable matters, or specific 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.

problemática

pro-ble-MAH-tee-kahpɾo.βle.ˈma.ti.ka

nounB2formal
Use 'problemática' to refer to the set of complex problems or difficulties related to a particular subject or situation.
A tangled ball of yarn with many knots and loose ends, representing a complex situation.

Examples

Debemos analizar la problemática social de la ciudad.

We must analyze the city's social issues.

La problemática del agua es una prioridad para el gobierno.

The water situation/set of problems is a priority for the government.

Entender esta problemática requiere mucho tiempo y estudio.

Understanding this complex set of problems requires a lot of time and study.

One word for many problems

While 'problema' usually means one specific problem, 'problemática' refers to the whole 'big picture' or the group of issues surrounding a topic.

Always feminine

When used as a noun meaning 'the set of problems,' it is always feminine. You will always use it with 'la' or 'una'.

Problemática vs. Problema

Mistake: “Tengo una problemática con mi coche.”

Correction: Tengo un problema con mi coche. (Use 'problema' for a single, simple issue like a car breakdown; use 'problemática' for large-scale social or technical issues.)

extiende

eks-TYEN-deheksˈtjende

verbB1general
This is a verb form meaning 'extends' and is used when someone or something prolongs or expands 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

Learners often confuse 'problemas' with 'asuntos' or 'temas'. Remember, 'problemas' usually implies something negative that needs fixing, while 'asuntos' and 'temas' are more neutral terms for topics or general affairs.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.