Translation guide
The English word 'problem' covers a wide range of situations, from minor inconveniences to serious issues. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you're talking about a difficulty, a question to solve, a trouble, or a topic of concern. This guide helps you choose the right word or phrase for each context.
Expressing that something is a difficulty, trouble, or something that causes worry or inconvenience.
The most common and versatile word for 'problem'. It can mean a difficulty, an issue, or a question to be solved. Safe for most situations.
それは大きな問題です。
That's a big problem.
何か問題がありますか？
Is there a problem?
Literally 'a troubling thing'. Used for personal difficulties or predicaments. More emotional and less formal than 問題.
困ったことが起きた。
A problem came up.
Loanword from English 'trouble'. Often used for conflicts, malfunctions, or unexpected issues, especially in technical or business contexts.
Obstacle or hindrance. Used in formal contexts when something interferes with a plan or operation.
Referring to a problem in an academic, puzzle, or test context that requires a solution.
Referring to a matter or subject that is being discussed or worried about, often in social or political contexts.
Referring to a personal issue, worry, or emotional difficulty.
Referring to a problem with a machine, system, or product.
Breakdown or malfunction. Used for mechanical or electronic failures.
Responding to thanks or apologies, or indicating that something is not an issue.
問題 (もんだい) is a general problem or question. 課題 (かだい) implies a task or challenge to be overcome, often with a sense of duty or assignment. Use 課題 for homework or societal challenges that require effort.
宿題の問題を解く。
Solve a homework problem.
夏休みの課題をする。
Do the summer vacation assignment.
システムにトラブルが発生した。
A problem occurred in the system.
It causes a problem for business operations.
Also used for questions in tests, homework, or puzzles. The context makes the meaning clear.
Assignment, task, or challenge. Often used for homework or a problem that needs to be addressed as a project.
夏休みの課題がたくさんある。
I have a lot of problems (assignments) for summer vacation.
Again, 問題 is the go-to word. It covers social issues, topics of debate, and matters of concern.
環境問題について話し合う。
Discuss environmental problems.
Used for issues that need to be tackled as challenges, like societal tasks or future problems.
少子高齢化は大きな課題だ。
The aging population is a major problem.
A worry or personal problem that troubles one's mind. Commonly used for emotional or relational issues.
彼は悩みを抱えている。
He has a problem (personal worry).
Can also be used for personal problems, but 悩み is more specific to emotional troubles.
家庭に問題がある。
There is a problem at home.
車が故障した。
The car has a problem (broke down).
Defect, bug, or glitch. Often used in software or product quality contexts.
アプリに不具合が見つかった。
A problem (bug) was found in the app.
As above, used for unexpected trouble or malfunction.
印刷機にトラブルが起きた。
There was a problem with the printer.
Means 'It's okay', 'No problem', or 'I'm fine'. Very common in casual and polite speech.
A: ごめんなさい。B: 大丈夫です。
A: I'm sorry. B: No problem.
Literally 'no problem'. A direct and slightly more formal way to say something is not an issue.
それについては問題ない。
There's no problem with that.
Means 'I don't mind' or 'It's fine'. Used when giving permission or expressing lack of objection.
遅れても構わない。
It's no problem if you're late.
While 問題 can be used for personal issues, 悩み (なやみ) is more natural for emotional or psychological problems. Using 問題 might sound too clinical or serious.
I have a problem with my computer.