What's the problem Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhwəts/, /ˈwəts/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈpɹɑbɫəm

WUHTS thuh PRAH-bluhm

UK

wɒts/ /ðə, ði/ /pɹˈɒbləm

WOTS thuh PROB-luhm

Definition

A phrase you use to ask someone what is wrong or what difficulty they are experiencing. It can also be used to ask why someone is upset or annoyed.

Usage & Nuances

Common in both formal and informal speaking. Can sound direct or even confrontational if tone is sharp. Often used when someone seems upset or when something has gone wrong. Variations include 'What's wrong?' and 'Is there a problem?'

• Spanish: ¿cuál es el problema? - ¿qué pasa?
• Portuguese (BR): qual é o problema? - o que houve?
• Portuguese (PT): qual é o problema? - o que se passa?
• Chinese (Simplified): 有什么问题？ - 出什么事了？
• Chinese (Traditional): 有什麼問題？ - 出什麼事了？
• Hindi: क्या समस्या है? - क्या बात है?
• Arabic: ما المشكلة؟ - ما الأمر؟
• Bengali: সমস্যা কী - কী হয়েছে
• Russian: в чём проблема - что случилось
• Japanese: どうしたの - 何が問題なの
• Vietnamese: Có vấn đề gì - Chuyện gì vậy
• Korean: 문제가 뭐야 - 무슨 일이야
• Turkish: Sorun ne - Ne oldu
• Urdu: کیا مسئلہ ہے - کیا ہوا
• Indonesian: Apa masalahnya - Ada apa

Example Sentences

What's the problem? You look upset.

basic

The teacher asked, 'What's the problem?' when the class was noisy.

basic

I don't understand, what's the problem with my answer?

basic

Hey, what's the problem? Did something happen at work?

natural

What's the problem with just telling me the truth?

natural

Dude, what's the problem? Relax, everything's fine.

natural