¿Tenemos un problema?
The English phrase "do we have a problem?" is translated into Spanish as ¿Tenemos un problema?
Depending on the tone, this phrase can be used either to genuinely ask for clarification in a group or as a confrontational way to challenge someone's behavior.
Which one should you use?
While ¿Tenemos un problema? implies a problem shared by "us", ¿Hay un problema? is a more general way to ask if a problem exists in the current situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb tenemos is the first-person plural form of tener (to have), and the question is formed by adding question marks and using rising intonation.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American regions, adding the word algún instead of un as in ¿Tenemos algún problema? can make the phrase sound significantly more menacing.
- The verb tener is used in Spanish for many physical states where English uses 'to be', such as 'to have hunger' instead of 'to be hungry'.
- The word problema literally traces back to the Greek idea of something being 'thrown forward' to block your path.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are arguing about a project.
- AlejandroEstás muy callada, Lucía. ¿Tenemos un problema?You are very quiet, Lucía. Do we have a problem?
- LucíaNo es un problema, solo estoy cansada.It's not a problem, I'm just tired.
- AlejandroNo me parece que estés cansada.It doesn't seem to me that you are tired.
- LucíaEstá bien, hablemos de esto mañana.Alright, let's talk about this tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries problema, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
