How to say "problem" in Japanese

• 問題もんだいJLPT N5approx.Common
  nounThe broadest, most general choice for 'problem': an issue or matter that needs to be solved, discussed, or dealt with. It also means a question on a test, so it covers both major senses.
  あなたはどのようにしてその問題もんだいを解といたのですか。↗

  How did you solve the problem?
• トラブルJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounCovers 'trouble' more than 'problem': difficulties, hassles, or disputes — something that has gone wrong, often between people. Not the word for a test question or an issue to be analyzed.
  私はトラブルに巻き込まきこまれた。↗

  I was involved in the trouble.
• 悩みなやみJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounA personal worry or source of distress: the word for 'problem' when it means something weighing on your mind. It does not fit objective issues, disputes, or test questions.
  それはぜいたくな悩なやみだよ。↗

  Gee, I wish I had that problem.
• 問題点もんだいてんCommon
  nounThe specific point at issue: a problematic aspect of something under discussion, such as the flaws in a plan or proposal. Use it when pinpointing what exactly is wrong, not for problems in general.
  我々われわれの計画けいかくの問題点もんだいてんは費用ひようというよりもそれにかかる時間じかんだ。↗

  The problem with our plan is not so much the cost as it is the time required.
• 題だいJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounRefers to a question or problem set on a test. For 'problem' in any other sense — a difficulty, a worry, an issue to discuss — it is seldom the word you want.

Use 問題 as the usual, all-purpose word for a problem or a test question, 問題点 for the specific point at issue, 「トラブル」 for trouble or disputes, 「悩み」 for personal worries, and 題 only for test questions.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 問題もんだいquestion (e.g. on a test)
• トラブルtrouble
• 悩みなやみtrouble
• 問題点もんだいてんthe problem (at issue)
• 困りごとこまりごとproblem
• プロブレムproblem
• 不具合ふぐあいflaw
• 困ったことこまったことtrouble
• 課題かだいproblem (that needs solving)
• 題だいproblem (on a test)
• 故障こしょうproblem
• 命題めいだいproblem
• イシューissue
• 設題せつだいquestion
• 片かたside