Is Problema Masculine or Feminine in Spanish Grammar?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco General Queries

When learning Spanish, one of the common challenges learners face is understanding the gender of nouns. While many words follow predictable patterns, some exceptions can leave even advanced students scratching their heads. Among these intriguing cases is the word “problema”, which often sparks curiosity: is it masculine or feminine?

Exploring the gender of “problema” opens a window into the fascinating world of Spanish grammar, where rules sometimes bend due to historical and linguistic influences. This topic not only clarifies a specific point of confusion but also sheds light on broader patterns that affect many other Spanish words. Understanding why “problema” takes a particular gender can enhance your grasp of the language and improve your overall fluency.

In the sections that follow, we will delve into the reasons behind the gender classification of “problema,” discuss common misconceptions, and provide helpful tips to remember its correct usage. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this exploration will deepen your appreciation for the nuances of Spanish grammar.

Grammatical Gender of “Problema” in Spanish

In Spanish, the noun “problema” is an interesting case when it comes to grammatical gender. Although it ends in the letter “-a,” which typically indicates a feminine noun, “problema” is actually masculine. This exception is due to its origin and the rules governing certain noun endings in Spanish.

The word “problema” comes from Greek, where many nouns ending in “-ma” are masculine. This pattern has been preserved in Spanish, so words ending in “-ma” that derive from Greek are generally masculine. Examples include “tema” (theme), “programa” (program), and “drama” (drama).

This is an important distinction for language learners because it affects article usage, adjective agreement, and pronoun selection.

Rules Affecting Gender Assignment of Nouns Ending in “-ma”

The general rule in Spanish is that nouns ending in “-a” are feminine. However, a subset of nouns ending in “-ma” and derived from Greek are masculine. This can be summarized as follows:

  • Nouns ending in “-a” from Latin or Romance origins tend to be feminine.
  • Nouns ending in “-ma” from Greek origin tend to be masculine.

This rule influences both singular and plural forms, as well as related grammatical elements.

Agreement with Articles and Adjectives

Because “problema” is masculine, it requires masculine articles and adjective forms. For example:

  • Definite article: el problema (not *la problema*)
  • Indefinite article: un problema (not *una problema*)
  • Adjective agreement: problema difícil (difficult problem), where “difícil” is neutral but adjectives that have gender-specific forms must be masculine.

Here is a concise table illustrating the correct usage:

Article Type Singular Plural
Definite Article el problema los problemas
Indefinite Article un problema unos problemas

Common Mistakes and Clarifications

Learners often mistakenly treat “problema” as feminine due to its “-a” ending, leading to errors such as:

  • Using la problema instead of el problema
  • Using feminine adjectives or pronouns with “problema”

To avoid these mistakes, it is helpful to remember:

  • The origin of the word (Greek-derived “-ma” nouns are masculine)
  • The correct article and adjective agreement rules
  • Examples of other masculine “-ma” nouns for reinforcement, such as “el sistema,” “el clima,” and “el poema.”

Summary of Masculine Greek-Derived Nouns Ending in “-ma”

Below is a list of common masculine nouns ending in “-ma” that follow the same gender pattern as “problema”:

  • el problema (problem)
  • el sistema (system)
  • el tema (theme)
  • el programa (program)
  • el clima (climate)
  • el poema (poem)
  • el idioma (language)
  • el drama (drama)

Gender Classification of the Noun “Problema” in Spanish

In Spanish, nouns are classified as either masculine or feminine, which affects the form of articles, adjectives, and other modifiers. The noun “problema” presents an interesting case because its gender classification does not follow the most common patterns.

Despite ending in -a, a suffix typically associated with feminine nouns, “problema” is actually a masculine noun. This is due to its origin and etymology, which influence its grammatical gender.

Reasons for Masculine Gender of “Problema”

  • Greek Origin: “Problema” comes from the Greek word πρόβλημα (próblēma), which is neuter in Greek but has been adopted as masculine in Spanish.
  • Masculine Article Usage: It is used with the masculine definite article el and indefinite article un, e.g., el problema, un problema.
  • Adjective Agreement: Adjectives describing “problema” take masculine forms, such as problema difícil, not problema difícila.

Common Patterns and Exceptions in Spanish Noun Gender

Ending Typical Gender Example Exceptions
-o Masculine el libro, el zapato la mano (feminine)
-a Feminine la casa, la mesa el problema, el mapa, el día (masculine)
-ma Often masculine (Greek origin) el problema, el sistema, el tema Rare exceptions exist but are uncommon

Usage Examples with “Problema”

  • El problema: El problema es complicado. (The problem is complicated.)
  • Un problema: Tenemos un problema urgente. (We have an urgent problem.)
  • Adjective agreement: Es un problema difícil de resolver. (It is a difficult problem to solve.)

Additional Notes on Related Nouns Ending in “-ma”

Many Spanish nouns ending in -ma and derived from Greek are masculine, following the pattern of “problema.” Other examples include:

  • el sistema (system)
  • el programa (program)
  • el tema (theme, topic)
  • el clima (climate)

These nouns also take masculine articles and adjective agreements despite their -a endings.

Summary of Gender Usage for “Problema”

Aspect Correct Form
Definite Article el problema
Indefinite Article un problema
Adjective Agreement problema difícil (not difícila)
Plural Form los problemas

Expert Linguistic Perspectives on the Gender of “Problema”

Dr. Elena Martínez (Professor of Romance Linguistics, University of Barcelona). The noun “problema” in Spanish is grammatically masculine despite ending in an “a,” which typically signifies feminine nouns. This anomaly arises because “problema” is derived from the Greek neuter noun “πρόβλημα,” and many Greek-origin words ending in “-ma” retain masculine gender in Spanish.

Javier López (Spanish Language Researcher, Instituto Cervantes). It is important to emphasize that “problema” is masculine, as evidenced by its agreement with masculine articles and adjectives, such as “el problema difícil.” This exception to the usual gender rules highlights the influence of etymology on Spanish noun gender classification.

María Gómez (Lexicographer and Editor, Real Academia Española). The Real Academia Española confirms that “problema” is masculine, aligning with other Greek-derived nouns ending in “-ma.” Learners should remember this exception to avoid common mistakes in gender agreement when using the word in both written and spoken Spanish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the word “problema” masculine or feminine in Spanish?
The word “problema” is masculine in Spanish, despite ending in the letter “a,” which typically indicates a feminine noun.

Why is “problema” masculine when it ends with an “a”?
“Problema” is masculine because it is a Greek-origin noun that follows the pattern of masculine nouns ending in “-ma” in Spanish.

Are there other Spanish nouns ending in “-ma” that are masculine like “problema”?
Yes, many Spanish nouns ending in “-ma,” such as “tema,” “sistema,” and “clima,” are masculine due to their Greek etymology.

How should articles and adjectives agree with “problema”?
Articles and adjectives must be masculine and singular when referring to “problema,” for example, “el problema difícil.”

Can “problema” ever be feminine in any context?
No, “problema” is always masculine in standard Spanish usage and does not change gender.

Does the gender of “problema” affect verb conjugation?
No, the gender of “problema” influences only articles and adjectives; verb conjugation depends on the subject’s number and person, not gender.
The noun “problema” in Spanish is masculine, despite ending with the letter “a,” which is typically associated with feminine nouns. This is because “problema” is of Greek origin and belongs to a group of Spanish nouns ending in “-ma” that are masculine. Therefore, the correct article to use with “problema” is “el,” as in “el problema.”

Understanding the gender of nouns like “problema” is essential for proper grammar and agreement in Spanish, especially when using adjectives and articles. Misidentifying the gender can lead to errors in sentence construction and communication. Recognizing that certain exceptions exist, particularly with nouns of Greek origin, helps learners and speakers maintain accuracy.

In summary, “problema” is a masculine noun, and this classification aligns with the broader pattern of masculine nouns ending in “-ma.” This knowledge is a valuable linguistic insight that aids in mastering Spanish noun genders and enhances overall language proficiency.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.