Meaning
To encounter a difficulty or issue.
Cultural Background
The 'Jeitinho Brasileiro' means that having a problem is often seen as an opportunity for creative negotiation rather than a dead end. Portuguese people tend to be more direct about problems in a formal context, often citing specific regulations. In Luanda, 'ter um problema' can sometimes be expressed as 'estar com mambo', where 'mambo' is a versatile slang for 'thing' or 'issue'. Similar to other Lusophone African countries, the phrase is standard, but often followed by a very communal approach to solving it.
The 'A' Trap
Always remember: O problema. Never say 'A problema'. It's one of the most common mistakes for beginners.
Sound like a Local
In Brazil, use 'Tô com um problema' instead of 'Eu tenho um problema' for immediate, everyday issues.
Meaning
To encounter a difficulty or issue.
The 'A' Trap
Always remember: O problema. Never say 'A problema'. It's one of the most common mistakes for beginners.
Sound like a Local
In Brazil, use 'Tô com um problema' instead of 'Eu tenho um problema' for immediate, everyday issues.
Question vs Problem
In a classroom, say 'Tenho uma dúvida'. Saying 'Tenho um problema' makes it sound like your house is on fire!
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 a reserva.
'Nós' requires the first-person plural form 'temos'.
What is the most natural way for a Brazilian to say they are currently facing a problem?
A: Por que você está preocupado? B: Eu ___ um problema no trabalho.
'Estou com' is the preferred idiomatic way in Brazil to describe a current state of having a problem.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'O carro deu problema' to its context.
'Dar problema' is commonly used for mechanical or technical failures.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Problemas
Technical
- • Computador
- • Internet
- • Celular
Personal
- • Saúde
- • Família
- • Dinheiro
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu tenho ___ problema.
'Problema' is a masculine noun.
Nós ___ um problema com a reserva.
'Nós' requires the first-person plural form 'temos'.
A: Por que você está preocupado? B: Eu ___ um problema no trabalho.
'Estou com' is the preferred idiomatic way in Brazil to describe a current state of having a problem.
Match 'O carro deu problema' to its context.
'Dar problema' is commonly used for mechanical or technical failures.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, always. Even if you are a woman, you say 'Eu tenho um problema'.
Yes, it means 'I have problems' (general or multiple).
'Ter' is more permanent or general; 'estar com' is very common in Brazil for temporary, current issues.
You can say 'Não tem problema' or 'Sem problemas'.
Related Phrases
Não tem problema
similarNo problem / It's okay
Dar um jeito
builds onTo find a way / To fix it
Estar enrascado
specialized formTo be in a tight spot
Sem problemas
synonymWithout problems / No worries
