Dictionary
English - Chinese
Problem
ˈprɑbləm
Extremely common
100 - 200
100 - 200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
问题, 麻烦, 难题, 纠纷, 障碍
Problem meanings in Chinese
问题
Example:
We need to solve this problem.
我们需要解决这个问题。
There is a problem with the computer.
电脑有一个问题。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in everyday conversation, academic discussions, and technical contexts.
Note: This is the most common translation and can refer to any issue or difficulty that needs to be addressed.
麻烦
Example:
I don't want to create any problems for you.
我不想给你带来任何麻烦。
He always causes problems for others.
他总是给别人带来麻烦。
Usage: informalContext: Used in casual conversations, often refers to inconveniences or annoyances.
Note: This term is more colloquial and can imply a nuisance rather than a serious issue.
难题
Example:
This math problem is very difficult.
这个数学难题非常困难。
She loves solving challenging problems.
她喜欢解决具有挑战性的难题。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Often used in academic or intellectual contexts, especially in mathematics or logic.
Note: Refers specifically to problems that are challenging and require significant thought to solve.
纠纷
Example:
They have a legal problem that needs resolution.
他们有一个需要解决的法律纠纷。
The problem between the two parties was escalating.
双方之间的纠纷正在升级。
Usage: formalContext: Used in legal and formal discussions, often refers to disputes or conflicts.
Note: This meaning emphasizes conflict and is usually associated with legal or formal situations.
障碍
Example:
Language can be a problem for communication.
语言可能成为沟通的障碍。
He faced many problems during his journey.
他在旅途中遇到了许多障碍。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in various contexts to describe barriers or hindrances.
Note: This term can refer to physical, social, or metaphorical barriers that impede progress.
Problem's synonyms
Issue
An issue refers to a matter or problem that is under discussion or consideration.
Example: There seems to be an issue with the software update.
Note: The term 'issue' is often used in a more formal or professional context compared to 'problem'.
Challenge
A challenge is a task or situation that tests someone's abilities.
Example: Overcoming this challenge will require teamwork and creativity.
Note: While a problem signifies an issue that needs to be resolved, a challenge implies an opportunity for growth or improvement.
Obstacle
An obstacle is something that blocks or hinders progress or achievement.
Example: Financial constraints can be a significant obstacle to starting a business.
Note: Unlike a general problem, an obstacle specifically refers to a barrier that must be overcome to reach a goal.
Dilemma
A dilemma is a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives.
Example: She faced a dilemma when she had to choose between two job offers.
Note: While a problem is a broader term for any difficulty, a dilemma specifically involves making a tough decision.
Predicament
A predicament is a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
Example: Being caught in a traffic jam put him in a predicament as he was running late for the meeting.
Note: A predicament suggests a more challenging or complex situation compared to a typical problem.
Problem expressions, common phrases
A piece of cake
This phrase means that something is very easy to do or accomplish.
Example: Fixing this issue was a piece of cake for the experienced team.
Note: This idiom refers to something being easy rather than a serious problem.
Bite the bullet
To face a difficult situation with courage and determination.
Example: I know the exam will be tough, but I just need to bite the bullet and study hard.
Note: The focus is on facing a difficult situation head-on rather than just acknowledging a problem.
Hit the nail on the head
To describe someone as being exactly right about something.
Example: You really hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the issue.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the accuracy of a solution or analysis rather than the existence of a problem.
Sweep it under the rug
To ignore or hide a problem rather than dealing with it openly.
Example: Don't just sweep this problem under the rug, address it directly.
Note: This idiom focuses on avoiding or concealing a problem rather than solving it.
Put a band-aid on it
To temporarily fix a problem without addressing the underlying cause.
Example: We need to find a permanent solution, not just put a band-aid on the problem.
Note: This expression refers to temporary solutions rather than solving the core issue.
Behind the eight ball
To be in a difficult situation with unfavorable circumstances.
Example: Due to the delays, we are now behind the eight ball with this project.
Note: This idiom denotes being in a challenging situation rather than just facing a problem.
Make a mountain out of a molehill
To exaggerate the importance of a problem or make it seem more serious than it is.
Example: Don't make a mountain out of a molehill; it's just a minor issue.
Note: This phrase emphasizes exaggeration rather than the actual severity of a problem.
Problem everyday (slang) expressions
Hiccup
Hiccup is used to describe a minor setback or temporary problem.
Example: There was a small hiccup with the delivery, but it's being resolved.
Note: It suggests a temporary and minor inconvenience compared to a more serious, ongoing problem.
Snag
Snag refers to an unexpected problem or obstacle that delays progress.
Example: We hit a little snag in getting the permits approved.
Note: It implies encountering a difficulty that was not foreseen or planned for.
Glitch
A glitch is a sudden, usually temporary malfunction or fault in a system or process.
Example: The website is experiencing a glitch that's affecting the checkout process.
Note: It often refers to technical issues, especially in digital systems.
Headache
A headache is a problem or situation that is difficult to deal with or causes stress and frustration.
Example: Dealing with all these paperwork is such a headache.
Note: It conveys a sense of being mentally taxing or bothersome.
Mess
Mess refers to a situation or state of affairs that is confused, disorganized, or chaotic.
Example: The whole situation turned into a big mess after the miscommunication.
Note: It suggests a lack of order or clarity, often due to mismanagement or mistakes.
Problem - Examples
I have a problem.
我有一个问题。
Can you help me with this problem?
你能帮我解决这个问题吗?
I need to find a solution to this problem.
我需要找到这个问题的解决方案。
This is becoming a big problem.
这正变成一个大问题。
Problem grammar
Problem - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: problem
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): problems
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): problem
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Problem Contains 2 syllables: prob • lem
Phonetic transcription: ˈprä-bləm
prob lem , ˈprä bləm (The red syllable is stressed)
Problem - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Problem: 100 - 200 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.