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How to Say "problem" in Spanish

English → Spanish

problema

/pro-BLEH-mah//pɾoˈβle.ma/

nounA1/A2general
Use this word for a general difficulty, issue, or a math/logic task.
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.

No entiendo este problema de matemáticas.

I don't understand this math problem.

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!

problema

/pro-BLEH-mah//pɾoˈβle.ma/

nounA1/A2general
Use this word for a general difficulty, issue, or a math/logic task.
A small, wide-eyed person looking overwhelmed by a giant, brightly colored, complicated knot of tangled rope.

Examples

No entiendo este problema de matemáticas.

I don't understand this math problem.

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!

dificultad

/dee-fee-kool-TAHD//difi-kulˈtað/

nounB1general
Use this word to refer to a specific obstacle or a challenging situation that needs to be overcome.
A large, smooth boulder blocking a narrow walking path in a green field.

Examples

Superamos todas las dificultades del viaje.

We overcame all the obstacles of the trip.

Surgió una dificultad inesperada en el trabajo.

An unexpected problem arose at work.

Plural focus

When 'dificultad' means 'obstacles,' it is very often used in its plural form: 'dificultades'.

inconveniente

/een-kon-be-nyen-te//inkombeˈnjente/

nounB1general
Use this word to express a minor difficulty, drawback, or when asking if something poses a problem for someone.
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.

ejercicio

eh-hehr-SEE-seeoh/e.xerˈsi.sjo/

nounA2academic
Use this word specifically for academic tasks like math problems or grammar exercises.
A colorful illustration of a hand drawing a simple geometric shape in an open notebook with a yellow pencil, symbolizing an academic exercise or problem.

Examples

El profesor nos mandó diez ejercicios de gramática para mañana.

The teacher assigned us ten grammar exercises for tomorrow.

Este ejercicio de matemáticas es muy difícil.

This math problem is very difficult.

marrón

nounB2informal
Use this informal word for a difficult, unpleasant, or messy situation that you are stuck with.

Examples

Me ha tocado el marrón de limpiar la cocina después de la fiesta.

I got stuck with the messy job of cleaning the kitchen after the party.

General vs. Specific Situations

Don't overuse 'problema' for every type of difficulty. Remember that 'ejercicio' is strictly for academic tasks, and 'marrón' is a very informal term for an unpleasant chore. Use 'dificultad' or 'inconveniente' for more nuanced obstacles.

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