Spanish for Intermediate Learners: Describing a Problem and Proposing a Solution
Learn to state a problem clearly and offer solutions in Latin American Spanish using el problema es, una solución es, and related patterns.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
At the intermediate level, you often need to do more than describe what is happening: you need to name a problem and propose what to do about it. This lesson focuses on that move. You will learn fixed frames such as el problema es... and una solución es... so you can move from identifying an issue to suggesting a practical response. The goal is not to list causes or effects, but to present a problem and then offer one or more solutions in clear, polite Spanish.
By the end, you can…
- state a problem clearly using el problema es and related expressions.
- propose one or more solutions using una solución es, podríamos, and deberíamos.
- respond to a proposed solution by agreeing, disagreeing, or suggesting an alternative.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
El problema es que hay demasiado tráfico.
The problem is that there is too much traffic.
el proh-BLEH-mah es keh ai deh-mah-SYAH-doh TRAH-fee-koh
A direct way to name a problem. Use el problema es que + a full clause when you want to explain the issue.
Una solución es usar el transporte público.
One solution is to use public transportation.
OO-nah soh-loo-SYOHN es oo-SAHR el trans-POR-teh POO-blee-koh
A simple way to propose a solution. The verb after es stays in the infinitive.
Podríamos compartir el auto.
We could carpool.
poh-DREE-ah-mohs kom-par-TEER el AU-toh
Podríamos softens a suggestion. In Latin America, carpooling is often called compartir el auto or usar el auto compartido.
Deberíamos hablar con el jefe.
We should talk to the boss.
deh-beh-REE-ah-mohs ah-BLAR kon el HEH-feh
Deberíamos expresses a recommendation. It is stronger than podríamos but still polite in most workplace contexts.
¿Qué te parece si empezamos mañana?
How about we start tomorrow?
keh teh pah-REH-seh see em-peh-SAH-mohs mah-NYAH-nah
A friendly way to propose a plan and invite agreement. Common in conversation across Latin America.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is: El problema es que + clause, then Una solución es + infinitive or noun. For example: El problema es que no tenemos suficiente tiempo. Una solución es repartir las tareas. You can also use Podríamos + infinitive or Deberíamos + infinitive to propose actions: Podríamos repartir las tareas. Deberíamos hablar con el equipo. These frames keep the focus on the problem and the solution, not on causes or effects.
When to use it
Use el problema es when you want to name the issue directly, especially in meetings, class discussions, or planning conversations. Use una solución es when you want to offer one option among several. Use podríamos for a gentle suggestion and deberíamos for a stronger recommendation. If you want to ask for agreement, add ¿Qué te parece? or ¿Estás de acuerdo? For example: El problema es que el aula es pequeña. Una solución es dividir el grupo. ¿Qué te parece?
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
El problema es que llegamos tarde a la reunión.
The problem is that we arrive late to the meeting.el proh-BLEH-mah es keh yeh-GAH-mohs TAR-deh ah lah reh-YOHNUna solución es salir quince minutos antes.
One solution is to leave fifteen minutes earlier.OO-nah soh-loo-SYOHN es sah-LEER KEEN-seh mee-NOO-tohs AHN-tesPodríamos también avisar si vamos a llegar tarde.
We could also let them know if we are going to be late.poh-DREE-ah-mohs tam-BYEN ah-vee-SAHR see BAH-mohs ah yeh-GAR TAR-dehMe parece bien. ¿Qué te parece si empezamos mañana?
That sounds good to me. How about we start tomorrow?meh pah-REH-seh byen. keh teh pah-REH-seh see em-peh-SAH-mohs mah-NYAH-nahA little context goes a long way
In many Latin American workplaces and community meetings, direct problem statements are common, but solutions are often framed with podríamos or una opción es to keep the tone collaborative. In more formal settings, you may hear una posible solución sería instead of una solución es. Regional differences exist: in some areas, people use planteamiento for a proposal, while in others propuesta is more common.
One thing to watch for
Using para + infinitive after una solución es, as in Una solución es para usar el transporte público.
Try this instead: After una solución es, use the infinitive directly or a noun: Una solución es usar el transporte público. If you want to say what the solution is for, use para + noun: Una solución para el tráfico es usar el transporte público.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'The problem is that we don't have enough time' in Spanish?
Show a sample answer
El problema es que no tenemos suficiente tiempo.
This uses the frame el problema es que + clause. You could also say El problema es la falta de tiempo, which is also correct.
2Propose a solution using podríamos: 'We could talk to the teacher.'
Show a sample answer
Podríamos hablar con el profesor.
Podríamos + infinitive is a polite way to suggest an action. In some regions, you may hear Podemos hablar con el profesor, which is more direct.
3Ask for agreement after proposing a solution: 'How about we start today?'
Show a sample answer
¿Qué te parece si empezamos hoy?
This question invites the other person to agree. You could also say ¿Estás de acuerdo en que empecemos hoy? Both are valid.
To describe a problem and propose a solution in Spanish, use El problema es que... to name the issue, then Una solución es..., Podríamos..., or Deberíamos... to offer a response. Keep the focus on the solution, and invite agreement with ¿Qué te parece?
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