Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| problema | /pɾoˈblema/ | masculine |
| cuestión | /kwesˈtjon/ | feminine |
Depending on the context, 'issue' can be translated in several ways. Use problema for a general and versatile translation of a problem or concern. For intellectual or academic discussions, use cuestión to refer to a matter or topic. The expression Tener problemas means 'to have issues', and Meterse en problemas means 'to get into trouble'. You can also use the phrase cuestión de to express that something is 'a matter of' a specific quality, such as cuestión de tiempo (a matter of time).
Which one should you use?
Use problema when the 'issue' is a specific difficulty or something that causes trouble. In contrast, use cuestión when referring to a 'matter' or a topic of discussion.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, problema is the most common translation for 'issue' regardless of the level of formality.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word problema is masculine and takes masculine articles like el or un, even though it ends in -a. The word cuestión is feminine and takes feminine articles like la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of problema is /pɾoˈblema/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because problema ends in -a, English speakers often mistakenly treat it as a feminine noun. Always treat it as a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase no hay problema is frequently used as a polite way to say 'you are welcome' or 'don't mention it'.
- In many Latin American countries, if someone says they have 'un asunto', it can sound more like they have a business matter or a specific errand to attend to, rather than a vague 'issue' or worry.
- The word problema comes from the Ancient Greek word πρόβλημα, which literally described something thrown in front of someone as an obstacle.
Examples in context
- Nunca fue un problema.That was never an issue.This sentence uses problema.Tatoeba #5022151 by don_ramon, translation #5021777 by CK
- Eso es cuestión aparte.That's another issue.This sentence uses cuestión.Tatoeba #2259250 by cueyayotl, translation #3701579 by CM
- El precio no es un problema.Price isn't an issue.Tatoeba #1737429 by marcelostockle, translation #3147954 by CK
- Estamos tratando de resolver el problema lo más pronto posible.We are trying to solve the issue as soon as possible.
- No puedo venir a la fiesta. Tengo un problema familiar.I can't come to the party, I have a family issue.
- Le llamé para discutir un asunto importante.I called you to discuss an important issue.
- El Comité Directivo tratará los asuntos pendientes.The Board of Directors will address the outstanding issues.
- La teoría de la relatividad plantea varias cuestiones interesantes.The theory of relativity poses several interesting issues.
- Analicemos la cuestión desde diferentes perspectivas.Let's analyze the issue from different perspectives.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a technical issue at work.
- LucíaAlejandro, ¿tienes un problema con el servidor?Alejandro, do you have a problem with the server?
- AlejandroSí, Lucía, es un problema grave.Yes, Lucía, it is a serious problem.
- Lucía¿Necesitas ayuda para resolver el problema?Do you need help to solve the problem?
- AlejandroNo, gracias, ya lo estoy solucionando.No, thanks, I am already fixing it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “issue” translations and entries problema, cuestión, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuestión, problema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
