Which one should you use?
While problemas is the most common translation for 'problems', you might choose other words depending on the context. Use dificultades when referring to formal difficulties or challenges, and inconvenientes when referring to formal inconveniences or drawbacks. In informal settings, you can use líos to refer to a troublesome situation or a mess.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is problema, which is a masculine noun. To express the idea of overcoming difficulties, you can use the phrase superar dificultades or to say 'face troubles', use enfrentar líos.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈblemas/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because problema ends in -a, English speakers often mistakenly treat it as a feminine noun. However, it is actually a masculine noun.
When do people say it?
To express the idiom 'to be between a rock and a hard place', Spanish speakers say estar entre la espada y la pared. If you want to tell someone 'to get your act together', you can use the idiom ponerse las pilas.
Did you know?
- If a situation is a complete mess or a chaotic problem, a Spaniard might call it an engendro, which literally refers to a monster or a freak of nature.
- The word lío, used for informal 'problems' or 'messes', also refers to a physical tangle of threads or a knot. To be en un lío is literally to be inside a tangle.
- The noun problema is a Greek loanword. Its masculine gender in Spanish is a remnant of its original Greek neuter gender, which is why it defies the usual rule that words ending in -a are feminine.
Examples in context
- Tengo problemas con Tom.I'm having problems with Tom.This sentence is useful for describing a conflict with a person using problemas.Tatoeba #7975731 by helq, translation #2542975 by CK
- Tengo problemas otra vez.I'm having problems again.This sentence shows how to use problemas to indicate a recurring issue.Tatoeba #3216176 by marcelostockle, translation #2544753 by CK
- Si hay problemas, llámame.If there are problems, call me.This sentence demonstrates how to use problemas in a conditional statement about calling someone.Tatoeba #5978376 by santiagolf, translation #2663312 by CK
- Tengo problemas con mi computadoraI have problems with my computer
- Estamos enfrentando dificultades para completar el proyectoWe are facing difficulties in completing the project
- Lamentamos los inconvenientes causados por el retraso del vueloWe apologize for the inconveniences caused by the flight delay
- Estoy metido en un lío con mis padresI'm in a mess with my parents
- Tengo un problemita con mi teléfono, la pantalla se rompióI have a little problem with my phone, the screen is broken
- Me he metido en un embrollo en el trabajoI've gotten myself into a mess at work
- Tengo mucho jaleo con el trabajoI have a lot of trouble with work
- 294 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing their difficult project at the office.
- María¿Tienes tiempo para hablar de los problemas del proyecto?Do you have time to talk about the project problems?
- JavierSí, María, dime qué pasa.Yes, María, tell me what's happening.
- MaríaJavier, tenemos problemas con el presupuesto actual.Javier, we have problems with the current budget.
- JavierNo te preocupes, lo solucionaremos.Don't worry, we will solve it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry problemas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
