Signification
Stating there is a difficulty.
Contexte culturel
Italians are generally very helpful when a problem is presented politely. Using 'Scusi' (formal) or 'Scusa' (informal) before 'ho un problema' is essential for a positive response. In the South, a 'problema' might be met with 'Non c'è problema!' (No problem!) even before they know what it is, reflecting a relaxed and hospitable attitude. In a professional setting, 'Ho un problema' is often followed by a proposed solution. Italians value proactive problem-solving ('problem solving' is even used as a loanword). On Italian social media, '#HoUnProblema' is often used humorously to describe minor 'first-world problems' like running out of coffee.
The 'Scusi' Sandwich
Always wrap 'ho un problema' in politeness: 'Scusi... ho un problema... grazie.'
Gender Trap
Remember: IL problema, UN problema. Even though it ends in -a, it's a boy!
Signification
Stating there is a difficulty.
The 'Scusi' Sandwich
Always wrap 'ho un problema' in politeness: 'Scusi... ho un problema... grazie.'
Gender Trap
Remember: IL problema, UN problema. Even though it ends in -a, it's a boy!
Softening the Blow
Use 'Ho un *piccolo* problema' to make people more willing to help without feeling overwhelmed.
Body Language
A slight shrug and an open-palm gesture often accompany this phrase in Italy.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct article.
Scusi, ho ___ problema con la chiave.
'Problema' is masculine, so it takes the article 'un'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to report a broken WiFi?
How do you say 'I have a problem with the WiFi'?
We use 'avere' (ho) and 'con' (with) for this situation.
Complete the dialogue.
Receptionist: 'Buongiorno, come posso aiutarla?' Learner: 'Buongiorno, ___ un problema con l'aria condizionata.'
The learner is speaking in the first person singular (I have).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a train station and your ticket isn't working.
A non-working ticket is a 'problema' that needs solving.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common 'Problemi'
Travel
- • Il treno
- • Il bagaglio
- • Il passaporto
Hotel
- • La chiave
- • Il Wi-Fi
- • La doccia
Daily
- • Il conto
- • Il telefono
- • La macchina
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesScusi, ho ___ problema con la chiave.
'Problema' is masculine, so it takes the article 'un'.
How do you say 'I have a problem with the WiFi'?
We use 'avere' (ho) and 'con' (with) for this situation.
Receptionist: 'Buongiorno, come posso aiutarla?' Learner: 'Buongiorno, ___ un problema con l'aria condizionata.'
The learner is speaking in the first person singular (I have).
You are at a train station and your ticket isn't working.
A non-working ticket is a 'problema' that needs solving.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with a friend or a boss. The politeness comes from the words you put around it (like 'Scusi').
Because 'problema' is a masculine noun. It's an exception to the -a = feminine rule.
Yes! That means 'I have some problems' (plural).
A 'problema' is an issue to be solved. A 'guaio' is a mess or trouble you've gotten into.
Non ho un problema or, more commonly, 'Non c'è problema.'
Yes, 'Ho un problema di salute' is a common way to say you're unwell.
Absolutely. It's very common in WhatsApp messages to signal you'll be late.
Usually, yes, but in math, it just means an exercise to solve!
Usually 'Mi dica' (Tell me - formal) or 'Che succede?' (What's happening?).
Yes, but be careful! It's quite direct and means 'I have an issue with you.'
Yes, many Italian pop songs use it to describe romantic difficulties.
Ho un grande problema or Ho un grosso problema.
Expressions liées
Non c'è problema
contrastNo problem / You're welcome
Ho un guaio
similarI'm in trouble
Ho una domanda
contrastI have a question
C'è un problema
similarThere is a problem
Risolvere un problema
builds onTo solve a problem
