مشكلة كبيرة
mushkila kabira
The English phrase "big problem" is translated into Arabic as مشكلة كبيرة (mushkila kabira).
مشكلة كبيرة is used to describe a serious or difficult situation that requires significant effort to resolve.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun mushkila (problem) and the adjective kabira (big/large).
Which one should you use?
The expression مُشْكِلَة ضَخْمَة can be used in formal contexts to specifically emphasize the massive magnitude of the problem.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Arabic, the adjective kabira follows the noun mushkila and matches it in gender (feminine) and definiteness.
How do you pronounce it?
mushkila kabira
Did you know?
- While مشكلة كبيرة is the standard way to say 'big problem', Arabs often use the word عقدة (ukda), which literally means 'a knot', to describe a complicated or problematic situation that is hard to untie.
- The word مشكلة (problem) shares a root with the word for 'doubt' or 'confusion'. In classical Arabic, it originally described a complex situation where the truth was difficult to distinguish.
- In formal writing, instead of saying a problem is 'big', authors often use the term مستعصية (mustasiya), which describes a problem that is 'stubborn' or 'resistant' to being solved.
Examples in context
- هذه مشكلة كبيرة يجب أن نحلها بسرعة.This is a big problem that we need to solve quickly.
- يواجه البلد مسألة ضخمة تتطلب حلًا شاملا.The country is facing a massive issue that requires a comprehensive solution.
- هذه مشكلة كبيرة جداً.hādhihi mushkila kabīra jiddan.This is a very big problem.
- لدينا مشكلة كبيرة في العمل.ladaynā mushkila kabīra fī al-ʿamal.We have a big problem at work.
Example conversation
Layla and Ahmed are discussing a technical issue with their car.
- ليلى Laylaأحمد، المحرك لا يعمل.Ahmad, al-muḥarrik lā yaʿmal.Ahmed, the engine is not working.
- أحمد Ahmedهل هذه مشكلة كبيرة؟Hal hādhihi mushkila kabīra?Is this a big problem?
- ليلى Laylaنعم، إنها مشكلة كبيرة.Naʿam, innahā mushkila kabīra.Yes, it is a big problem.
- أحمد Ahmedسأحاول إصلاحها الآن.Sa-uḥāwil iṣlāḥahā al-ān.I will try to fix it now.
