Meaning
To create an issue, difficulty, or an unfavorable situation.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Fitna' (social discord) is related to causing problems. People often avoid being the 'sabab' (cause) of a problem to maintain communal peace. In the Levant, people often use the word 'mishkile' for even minor inconveniences. It's common to hear 'Ma fi mishkile' (No problem) as a standard polite response. In business, being direct about what 'yusabbib mushkila' is appreciated, but it's often followed by a solution-oriented phrase like 'Insha'Allah nahlaha' (God willing, we will solve it). Egyptians use 'amal mushkila' frequently. If someone is 'making a problem' out of nothing, they might be called a 'mushkilagi' (troublemaker).
Use with 'li-'
Always use the preposition 'li-' to say who the problem is for. 'Yusabbib mushkila li-Sami'.
Avoid 'fi'
Don't say 'yusabbib fi mushkila'. It's a common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
To create an issue, difficulty, or an unfavorable situation.
Use with 'li-'
Always use the preposition 'li-' to say who the problem is for. 'Yusabbib mushkila li-Sami'.
Avoid 'fi'
Don't say 'yusabbib fi mushkila'. It's a common mistake for English speakers.
Make it plural
To sound more natural when complaining, use the plural: 'yusabbib mashakil' (causes problems).
Softening the blow
If you are the one causing the problem, start with 'Anā ā s if' (I'm sorry) to be polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'يُسبب'.
الأمطار الغزيرة ____ مشكلة في حركة المرور اليوم.
The subject 'الأمطار' (rains) is a non-human plural, which takes the feminine singular verb form 'تُسبب'.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the phrase.
لا أريد أن أُسبب ____ للمدير.
The context of 'not wanting to' usually implies avoiding a 'problem' (مشكلة).
Complete the dialogue.
أ: هل يمكنني ركن سيارتي هنا؟ ب: لا، هذا المكان ____ مشكلة للجيران.
Parking in a restricted spot 'causes' (يُسبب) a problem.
Match the cause with the problem it causes.
1. الضجيج (Noise), 2. الكذب (Lying), 3. الثلج (Snow)
Noise affects sleep, lying affects trust, and snow affects roads.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالأمطار الغزيرة ____ مشكلة في حركة المرور اليوم.
The subject 'الأمطار' (rains) is a non-human plural, which takes the feminine singular verb form 'تُسبب'.
لا أريد أن أُسبب ____ للمدير.
The context of 'not wanting to' usually implies avoiding a 'problem' (مشكلة).
أ: هل يمكنني ركن سيارتي هنا؟ ب: لا، هذا المكان ____ مشكلة للجيران.
Parking in a restricted spot 'causes' (يُسبب) a problem.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Noise affects sleep, lying affects trust, and snow affects roads.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it is neutral to formal. It's perfectly fine for business and news.
No, 'mushkila' is always negative. Use 'yuhaqqiq' (achieve) for positive results.
The past tense is 'sabbaba' (سَبَّبَ). Example: 'Sabbaba mushkila' (He caused a problem).
You can say 'mushaghib' (مُشاغِب) or 'mushkilagi' (informal).
'Mushkila' is a general problem. 'Qadiya' is a legal case or a major social issue.
Yes, it's very common for software bugs or mechanical failures.
The plural is 'mashakil' (مَشاكِل).
Yes, that's a common idiom meaning 'causes a headache' (causes trouble).
The root S-B-B is used, but not this specific phrase in its modern sense.
Say 'La tusabbib mushkila'.
Yes, 'yusabbib mushkila sahiya' (causes a health problem) is very common.
The opposite is 'yahull mushkila' (solves a problem).
Yes, it ends in ta-marbuta, so it is feminine.
Yes, 'yusabbib mashakil kathira' (causes many problems).
Related Phrases
يُثير المتاعب
similarTo stir up trouble
يؤدي إلى
builds onTo lead to
يحل مشكلة
contrastTo solve a problem
يقع في مشكلة
relatedTo fall into a problem
يُعقد الأمر
specialized formTo complicate the matter
