tengo un problema
/tenɡo un pɾoblema/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have a problem" is translated into Spanish as tengo un problema.
tengo un problema is a statement used to say that one is facing a difficult situation that needs to be solved.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tengo (I have), un (a) and problema (problem).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb tengo is the first-person singular present indicative of tener (to have).
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo un pɾoblema/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly treat problema as a feminine noun because it ends in 'a', but it is actually a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the verb tener (to have) to express physical sensations, such as tengo frío for 'I am cold', whereas English uses 'to be'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if someone says tengo un problema with a specific tone, they might actually be using it as a polite euphemism to introduce a complaint or a request for a favor.
- The word problema is part of a group of Spanish nouns ending in 'a' that are masculine because they originate from Greek neuter nouns.
Examples in context
- Tengo un problema aquí.I have a problem here.This sentence is useful for showing the location of the problem using tengo un problema.Tatoeba #3390028 by marcelostockle, translation #2358787 by CK
- Creo que tengo un problema.I think I have a problem.This sentence is useful for expressing a thought or suspicion about having a problem using tengo un problema.Tatoeba #6842255 by matecro, translation #6841965 by lev4uk_pavel2
- Tengo un problema.I have a problem.This sentence is a basic way to state that you have a problem using tengo un problema.Tatoeba #1355615 by marcelostockle, translation #370588 by saeb
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is talking to María about a broken appliance at home.
- AlejandroMaría, tengo un problema con la lavadora.María, I have a problem with the washing machine.
- María¿Qué le pasa a tu máquina?What is wrong with your machine?
- AlejandroNo quiere centrifugar la ropa.It doesn't want to spin the clothes.
- MaríaDéjame ver si puedo ayudarte.Let me see if I can help you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
