Meaning
To state that you are facing a difficulty.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'probleminha' (little problem) to make a request sound less burdensome, even if the problem is actually quite large. In Portugal, being direct about a problem is respected, but it's often preceded by 'Peço desculpa' (I ask for an apology/excuse me). In Luanda, you might hear 'Tenho uma mambo' (slang) to refer to a problem or a situation that needs fixing. In modern tech hubs like Florianópolis or Lisbon, 'problema' is often rebranded as 'desafio' (challenge) in meetings.
The 'Estou com' trick
If you forget 'Tenho', use 'Estou com'. It's very natural and often sounds more like a native speaker.
Gender Trap
Never say 'uma problema'. It's the #1 mistake for beginners.
Meaning
To state that you are facing a difficulty.
The 'Estou com' trick
If you forget 'Tenho', use 'Estou com'. It's very natural and often sounds more like a native speaker.
Gender Trap
Never say 'uma problema'. It's the #1 mistake for beginners.
Softening the blow
Add 'acho que' (I think that) before the phrase to sound less aggressive: 'Acho que tenho um problema'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct article for 'problema'.
Eu tenho ___ problema.
'Problema' is a masculine noun.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'ter'.
Nós ___ um problema com o carro.
'Nós' is the first-person plural, so we use 'temos'.
What is the most natural response to a problem in a restaurant?
Cliente: Garçom, tenho um problema. A conta está errada. Garçom: ___
A waiter should apologize and offer to check the issue.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Your computer screen is blue and won't turn on.
Computador matches the context of a blue screen.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Problems
Tech
- • Computador
- • Internet
- • Senha
Travel
- • Voo
- • Mala
- • Passaporte
Home
- • Chave
- • Água
- • Luz
Ter vs. Estar com
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu tenho ___ problema.
'Problema' is a masculine noun.
Nós ___ um problema com o carro.
'Nós' is the first-person plural, so we use 'temos'.
Cliente: Garçom, tenho um problema. A conta está errada. Garçom: ___
A waiter should apologize and offer to check the issue.
Situation: Your computer screen is blue and won't turn on.
Computador matches the context of a blue screen.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's a neutral and necessary phrase. Just use a polite tone.
No, 'questão' is feminine, so it would be 'uma questão'. It's also more formal.
'Problema' is a difficulty; 'pergunta' is a question you ask to get information.
Simply say 'Não tenho um problema' or 'Não tenho problemas'.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Yes, 'Tenho um problema com ele' means you have a conflict with him.
The plural is 'Tenho alguns problemas' or 'Tenho problemas'.
Yes, always. O problema, um problema, esse problema.
Say 'Não tem problema' or 'De nada'.
No, that's too informal. Stick to 'Tenho um problema' or 'Tenho um desafio'.
Related Phrases
Estou com um problema
similarI am with a problem
Não tem problema
contrastNo problem / No worries
Resolver um problema
builds onTo solve a problem
Tô com um pepino
specialized formI have a cucumber (slang)
Deu ruim
specialized formIt went bad
