problème
/pʁɔ.blɛm/masculine
The English word 'problem' is translated into French as problème.
problème is the most common and general translation of 'problem' in French. While problème is the standard term, other words can change the nuance: difficulté is used for challenging situations or problems that require effort to overcome.
Meaning: difficulty (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canada, especially in Quebec, the term pépin is commonly used to mean 'problem'.
How does it change in a sentence?
problème is a masculine noun, so you must use masculine articles such as un or le.
How do you pronounce it?
problème is pronounced /pʁɔ.blɛm/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In very informal French, the word galère is used to describe a 'problem' that is an exhausting or nightmare-like ordeal.
- In Quebec, the word pépin means 'problem' or 'glitch' and literally translates to 'pip' or 'seed' from a fruit.
- The word problème comes from the Ancient Greek word próblēma, which literally meant 'something thrown forward' to be solved.
Examples in context
- Pas de problème !No problem at all!This sentence is useful for saying 'No problem at all!' using problème.Tatoeba #481798 by sacredceltic, translation #21085 by blay_paul
- Tu es un problème.You're a problem.This sentence is useful for saying 'You're a problem.' using problème.Tatoeba #7414967 by lbdx, translation #2549179 by CK
- Il y a un problème.There is one problem.This sentence is useful for saying 'There is one problem.' using problème.Tatoeba #5791951 by Aiji, translation #1898181 by CK
- 1456 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are discussing their broken car.
- GabrielChloé, j'ai un problème avec la voiture.Chloé, I have a problem with the car.
- ChloéQuel est le problème, Gabriel ?What is the problem, Gabriel?
- GabrielLe moteur fait un bruit bizarre.The engine is making a strange noise.
- ChloéC'est un problème sérieux.It is a serious problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “problem” translations and entries problème, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries problème, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
