problemas
/pɾoˈblemas/
The English word 'trouble' is translated into Spanish as problemas.
problemas is used to express difficulty. To indicate that someone is 'in trouble', you should use the preposition en before the word, creating the phrase en problemas.
Meaning: difficulty (noun)
Which one should you use?
While problemas refers to general difficulties, other words convey more specific nuances: contratiempo implies an unexpected setback or obstacle and dificultad is a more formal way to emphasize a complication.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the informal term lío is used to reflect a state of confusion or messiness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is problema, which is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈblemas/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, instead of saying someone is 'in trouble', people say they are en apuros, which literally translates to being 'in tight corners' or 'squeezes'.
- The word problema comes from the Greek problema, meaning 'something thrown forward' or 'a premise'.
- Despite ending in -a, problema is a masculine noun and takes the article el instead of la.
Examples in context
- Él está en problemas.He is in trouble.This sentence shows how to use problemas to say someone is in trouble.Tatoeba #1675565 by marcelostockle, translation #289969 by CK
- Me metí en problemas.I got into trouble.This sentence demonstrates using the phrase en problemas to mean getting into trouble.Tatoeba #2740103 by emanuel81, translation #1887325 by CK
- Tom no quiere problemas.Tom doesn't want any trouble.This sentence shows how to express not wanting any trouble using problemas.Tatoeba #1281958 by Shishir, translation #1094281 by CK
- Tengo un problema con mi coche. No arranca.I have a problem with my car. It won't start.
- Estoy experimentando dificultades para completar el informe a tiempo.I am experiencing difficulties in completing the report on time.
- El vuelo fue cancelado debido a un contratiempo técnico.The flight was canceled due to a technical setback.
- ¡No vengas a mi casa ahora! Hay un lío enorme con la mudanza.Don't come to my house now! There's a huge mess with the move.
- Tengo un problemita con mi teléfono. No puedo enviar mensajes de texto.I have a little problem with my phone. I can't send text messages.
- ¡Oh no! Tenemos un problema con la electricidad en toda la casa.Oh no! We have a problem with the electricity in the entire house.
- Jorge está en un gran lío después de chocar el carro nuevo de su padre.Jorge is in big trouble after crashing his father's new car.
- Lucía se encontró con un contratiempo en el trabajo cuando su computadora se estropeó.Lucía encountered a setback at work when her computer broke down.
- Si sigues así, te meterás en un jaleo del que será difícil salir.If you keep going like this, you'll get into trouble that will be hard to get out of.
- Tengo un problemita con la entrega de los documentos. Se retrasaron en el correo.I have a little problem with the delivery of the documents. They were delayed in the mail.
- 224 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking at a cafe.
- MaríaJavier, ¿tienes problemas con el nuevo proyecto?Javier, do you have problems with the new project?
- JavierSí, María, tengo muchos problemas técnicos.Yes, María, I have many technical problems.
- MaríaLo siento mucho, espero que se resuelvan pronto.I am very sorry, I hope they get resolved soon.
- JavierGracias, eres muy amable.Thank you, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry problemas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
