In Spanish, problema and cuestión are two nouns that express different types of challenges or topics, and they are not interchangeable.
- Problema means "problem" and refers to something that is malfunctioning, difficult, or needs a solution.
- Cuestión means "issue," "matter," or "question," and it refers to a subject for discussion, debate, or consideration.
| Word | Type | Meaning | Typical Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| problema | noun | problem | Something wrong or needing a fix | Tengo un problema con mi coche. (I have a problem with my car.) |
| cuestión | noun | issue, matter, question | Topic for discussion or debate | La cuestión es importante. (The issue is important.) |
When to Use problema
Use problema when referring to a difficulty, obstacle, or something that requires a solution. It can be used in both personal and technical contexts.
- Something that doesn’t work or is broken
- A challenge or difficulty to overcome
- Can be used for practical or abstract difficulties
When to Use cuestión
Use cuestión when referring to a subject that is up for discussion, debate, or consideration. It can also mean “question” in certain contexts (especially in formal or written Spanish).
- A topic or matter to be discussed
- An issue in a debate or argument
- A question to be answered (in some contexts)
Problema se refiere a una dificultad, mientras que cuestión es un tema para debate.
Se usa 'cuestión' para temas de discusión o asuntos que requieren consideración.
'Cuestión' puede usarse como sinónimo de 'pregunta' en ciertos contextos.