Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| problema | /proˈblɛ.ma/ | masculine |
| difficoltà | /dif.fi.kolˈta/ | feminine |
| dissesto | /disˈsɛs.to/ | masculine |
Italian uses different words to express different types of trouble. problema refers to a specific issue or obstacle. difficoltà refers to a state of being in a difficult situation or a general lack of ease. dissesto describes a state of structural or financial instability, such as financial distress.
Which one should you use?
Use problema when talking about a specific problem. In contrast, use difficoltà to describe a general state of difficulty or a lack of ease. Use dissesto specifically for matters of instability or disarray, such as financial or structural contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Tuscany, the phrase Maremma maiala is used to convey annoyance or dissatisfaction.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Although problema ends in -a, it is a masculine noun. The word difficoltà is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word problema is pronounced /proˈblɛ.ma/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
If you want to say that someone is 'getting into trouble' in a legal or disciplinary sense, do not use problema. Instead, use the idiom mettersi nei guai.
Did you know?
- The Greek origin of problema carries a vivid image of someone 'throwing' an obstacle directly in front of you to block your path.
- In Tuscany, people might exclaim Maremma maiala when facing trouble or annoyance. This colorful phrase refers to the 'pig-stye' marshes of the Maremma coast.
- The Italian word dissesto is frequently used in news reports as dissesto idrogeologico. This specific term refers to the 'trouble' of land collapsing or landslides causing structural failure in the landscape.
Examples in context
- Sono spesso in difficoltà.I'm often in trouble.This sentence is useful for describing being in a difficult situation using difficoltà.Tatoeba #643058 by Guybrush88, translation #461174 by jeanne
- Tom non vuole alcun problema.Tom doesn't want any trouble.This sentence shows how to express not wanting any trouble using problema.Tatoeba #5631637 by Guybrush88, translation #1094281 by CK
- Il suo problema è che è pigro.The trouble with him is that he is lazy.This sentence illustrates how to describe a specific issue using problema.Tatoeba #1440780 by Guybrush88, translation #243444 by adjusting
- Ho un problema con il mio computer.I'm having trouble with my computer.
- Ho delle difficoltà a capire questo concetto.I'm having trouble understanding this concept.
- Se continui così, verranno guaiIf you keep it up, there will be trouble.
- Ho un problema con la mia prenotazione alberghiera.I'm having trouble with my hotel reservation.
- La macchina mi dà guai ogni volta che la accendo.The car gives me trouble every time I turn it on.
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are talking at a cafe about a broken computer.
- MatteoSofia, ho un problema con il mio computer.Sofia, I have a problem with my computer.
- SofiaÈ un problema grave, Matteo?Is it a serious problem, Matteo?
- MatteoNon lo so, non si accende proprio.I don't know, it won't turn on at all.
- SofiaPortalo in riparazione domani.Take it to the repair shop tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trouble” translations and entries problema, difficoltà, dissesto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries difficoltà, dissesto, problema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
