problema

problem

noun proh-BLEH-mah Common

Origin: From Greek problema, 'obstacle thrown forward.'

Usage Note

Problema is masculine despite ending in -a — a common stumbling block for learners (el problema, not la problema). Other Greek-origin -ma nouns follow the same pattern: sistema, tema, programa, clima. The plural los problemas is regular.

Examples

"Ese es el problema principal."

Natural Translation

That is the main problem.

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