problema
/proˈblɛ.ma/masculine
The Italian word for "problem" is problema.
problema is a noun used to describe a difficulty.
Meaning: difficulty (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Although problema ends in -a, it is a masculine noun. This means you must use the masculine definite article il (as in il problema) and the masculine indefinite article un (as in un problema). The plural form of the word is problemi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /proˈblɛ.ma/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because problema ends in -a, English speakers often mistakenly treat it as a feminine noun. However, it is masculine.
Did you know?
- The word problema shares a root with the English word 'ballistics' through the Greek bállō, meaning 'to throw'.
- In casual Italian, people often use the phrase non c'è problema to mean 'no worries' or 'you are welcome' after someone says thank you, moving beyond the literal meaning of a 'difficulty'.
- While problema is masculine, the Italian word for 'solution' is soluzione and is feminine. This creates a gender contrast when you speak about the 'problem and the solution' in the same sentence.
Examples in context
- Il problema è suo.The problem is his.This sentence shows how to use problema to indicate ownership.Tatoeba #1520570 by Guybrush88, translation #1520626 by CM
- Non è un problema.It's no problem.This sentence uses problema to express that something is not an issue.Tatoeba #2051725 by Guybrush88, translation #1894580 by CK
- Io ho un problema.I have a problem.This sentence uses problema to state that one has a difficulty.Tatoeba #2349562 by Guybrush88, translation #370588 by saeb
- Ho avuto un problema con la mia auto.I had a problem with my car.
- Sto affrontando alcune difficoltà nell'apprendimento dell'italiano.I am encountering some difficulties in learning Italian.
- Abbiamo bisogno di discutere la questione in dettaglio.We need to discuss the problem in detail.
- Ho un guaio al lavoro.I have a problem at work.
- Trovare parcheggio in centro è sempre un grattacapo.Finding parking downtown is always a problem.
- 2113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are at work trying to fix a printer.
- ChiaraFrancesco, c'è un problema con la stampante.Francesco, there is a problem with the printer.
- FrancescoQual è il problema, Chiara?What is the problem, Chiara?
- ChiaraNon prende il foglio.It won't take the paper.
- FrancescoVengo subito a vedere il problema.I'll come see the problem right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “problem” translations and entries problema, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries problema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
