problème/pʁɔ.blɛm/
noun · A2 · Frequency 214
nounmasculine
Meanings
problem
Common meaning referring to a difficulty or question that needs to be solved.
trouble
Refers to situations causing inconvenience or distress, used in both spoken and written language.
Examples
Ce problème demande une solution simple et rapide.
This problem calls for a simple and quick solution.
Le professeur a expliqué le problème de mathématiques au tableau.
The teacher explained the math problem on the board.
La coupure d'électricité nous a causé un sérieux problème.
The power cut caused us serious trouble.
Collocations
- problème techniquetechnical problem
Common mistakes
*le* problème
le problème
Though orthographically correct, learners often misplace word stress due to L1 interference (e.g., English 'the problem'), pronouncing the first syllable strongly. In French, stress is always on the final syllable: /pʁɔ.blɛm/ (not */ˈpʁɔ.blɛm/). Note that 'bl' is not pronounced as /b/, but as a stop-to-/l/ transition.
Related words
synonymdifficultédifficulty
nounmasculine
Meanings
problem
Common meaning referring to a difficulty or question that needs to be solved.
trouble
Refers to situations causing inconvenience or distress, used in both spoken and written language.
Examples
Nous devons résoudre ces problèmes avant la réunion de demain.
We need to solve these problems before tomorrow's meeting.
Les problèmes techniques ont retardé la mise en ligne du site.
Technical problems delayed the website launch.
Il a eu des problèmes avec ses voisins après la fête.
He had trouble with his neighbors after the party.