Inklingo

How to Say "trouble" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “trouble” is “problema” — use 'problema' when referring to a general difficulty or issue that needs to be solved, like a personal challenge or a technical glitch.

problema🔊A1

Use 'problema' when referring to a general difficulty or issue that needs to be solved, like a personal challenge or a technical glitch.

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molestia🔊A2

Choose 'molestia' when you are referring to an inconvenience or a minor difficulty that causes a slight disruption, often when asking for a favor.

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drama🔊A2

Use 'drama' when someone is overreacting or creating an unnecessary fuss about a situation that is not that serious.

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disgusto🔊B1

Use 'disgusto' when the 'trouble' refers to emotional distress, worry, or upset caused to someone.

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líoB1

Select 'lío' for a complicated or messy situation, a predicament, or a mess that one has gotten into.

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pena🔊B1

Use 'pena' in the expression 'valer la pena' to mean 'to be worth the effort' or 'to be worth the trouble'.

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nubes🔊B2

Use 'nubes' metaphorically to describe someone who is absent-minded or not paying attention, implying they might get into trouble due to it.

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English → Spanish

problema

pro-BLEH-mahpɾoˈβle.ma

nounA1general
Use 'problema' when referring to a general difficulty or issue that needs to be solved, like a personal challenge or a technical glitch.
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.

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!

molestia

moh-LEHS-tee-ahmoˈlestja

nounA2general
Choose 'molestia' when you are referring to an inconvenience or a minor difficulty that causes a slight disruption, often when asking for a favor.
A cartoon character, frustrated, standing in front of a small, unexpected obstacle blocking a clear path.

Examples

Disculpe la molestia, pero ¿me podría ayudar con esta caja?

Excuse the inconvenience, but could you help me with this box?

La constante música alta de los vecinos es una gran molestia.

The constant loud music from the neighbors is a great annoyance.

Tomarse la molestia de llamarme fue muy amable de tu parte.

Taking the trouble (or bother) to call me was very kind of you.

Using 'Molestia' in Apologies

When apologizing for something you did that caused trouble, use the plural form: 'Siento mucho las molestias' (I am very sorry for the inconveniences/trouble).

Confusing 'Molestia' and 'Molestación'

Mistake: “Using 'molestación' when you mean 'inconvenience'.”

Correction: While 'molestación' exists, it usually refers to sexual harassment or serious badgering. For general trouble or annoyance, always use 'molestia'.

drama

DRAH-mahˈdɾa.ma

nounA2informal
Use 'drama' when someone is overreacting or creating an unnecessary fuss about a situation that is not that serious.
An illustration showing a simplified figure making a highly exaggerated gesture of despair, clutching their head with both hands against a colorful background.

Examples

Por favor, no hagas un drama por llegar cinco minutos tarde.

Please, don't make a fuss (or 'drama') about being five minutes late.

Ella siempre tiene algún drama con sus amigos.

She always has some kind of trouble/drama with her friends.

Mi hermana es una reina del drama; todo es exagerado.

My sister is a drama queen; everything is exaggerated.

Using 'Hacer'

The most common way to talk about creating a scene is 'hacer un drama' (to make a drama), similar to 'hacer un escándalo'.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “La drama es muy aburrida.”

Correction: El drama es muy aburrido. Remember to use the masculine article 'el' and masculine adjectives.

disgusto

dees-GOOS-tohdisˈɡusto

nounB1general
Use 'disgusto' when the 'trouble' refers to emotional distress, worry, or upset caused to someone.
A sad child sitting on a wooden bench looking down at a spilled ice cream cone on the ground.

Examples

Mi abuelo se llevó un gran disgusto cuando perdió su reloj.

My grandfather was very upset when he lost his watch.

No quiero darle un disgusto a mi madre con mis notas.

I don't want to cause my mother any trouble with my grades.

Tuvimos un pequeño disgusto por un malentendido.

We had a small falling out over a misunderstanding.

False Friend Alert!

In Spanish, 'disgusto' is usually about sadness or annoyance, not 'disgust' (revulsion). If you want to say something is gross, use 'asco'.

Using 'Dar' vs 'Llevarse'

Use 'dar' when you are the cause of the upset ('I gave him an upset') and 'llevarse' when you are the one experiencing the upset ('I took/received an upset').

Confusing 'Disgusto' with 'Asco'

Mistake: “Esa comida me da disgusto.”

Correction: Esa comida me da asco.

lío

nounB1informal
Select 'lío' for a complicated or messy situation, a predicament, or a mess that one has gotten into.

Examples

Si no pagas la multa a tiempo, te meterás en un lío legal.

If you don't pay the fine on time, you will get into legal trouble.

pena

PEH-nahˈpena

nounB1general
Use 'pena' in the expression 'valer la pena' to mean 'to be worth the effort' or 'to be worth the trouble'.
A determined hiker standing triumphantly on the high peak of a steep mountain, symbolizing that the great effort was worthwhile.

Examples

Aprender un nuevo idioma vale la pena.

Learning a new language is worth the effort.

Merece la pena visitar ese museo.

It's worthwhile to visit that museum.

A duras penas llegamos a tiempo.

We barely managed to arrive on time.

nubes

NOO-besˈnuβes

nounB2idiomatic
Use 'nubes' metaphorically to describe someone who is absent-minded or not paying attention, implying they might get into trouble due to it.
A person sitting peacefully, looking off into the distance with a thoughtful expression. Small, stylized white clouds gently float around their head, symbolizing being lost in thought.

Examples

María siempre está en las nubes y no presta atención a la clase.

Maria is always daydreaming (in the clouds) and doesn't pay attention in class.

Se avecinan nubes en la economía mundial, debemos prepararnos.

Trouble (clouds) is approaching in the global economy; we must prepare ourselves.

Using 'Estar'

When using the common idiom 'estar en las nubes,' you must use the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) because it describes a temporary state of mind.

General Problem vs. Specific Upset

Learners often confuse 'problema' (a general issue) with 'disgusto' (emotional upset). Remember, 'problema' is about the situation itself, while 'disgusto' focuses on the negative feelings it causes someone.

Related Translations

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