How to Say "problem" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “problem” is “problema” — use 'problema' for general difficulties, issues, or questions that need solving, including mathematical or logical exercises.
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.
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-mahpɾoˈβle.ma
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-TAHDdifi-kulˈtað
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-teinkombeˈnjente
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.
marrón
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.
beta
BEH-tahˈbeta
Examples
¡Qué beta con ese carro!
What a problem with that car!
Cuéntame el beta de ayer.
Tell me the news/gossip from yesterday.
No quiero más betas contigo.
I don't want any more problems with you.
Masculine in Slang
Unlike the other meanings, in Venezuelan slang, 'beta' is masculine: 'el beta' or 'un beta'.
ejercicio
eh-hehr-SEE-seeohe.xerˈsi.sjo
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.
General vs. Specific Problems
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