grave problema
serious problem
Literalmente: grave problem
Use it when a situation is genuinely serious and requires immediate, focused attention from others.
En 15 segundos
- Used for serious, high-stakes situations that need immediate attention.
- Place 'grave' before 'problema' for extra dramatic emphasis.
- Avoid using it for minor inconveniences to prevent sounding dramatic.
Significado
This phrase is used to describe a situation that is genuinely serious or critical. It is the go-to expression when a minor inconvenience turns into a real obstacle that needs immediate attention.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6In a business meeting
Temos um grave problema com o orçamento deste mês.
We have a serious problem with this month's budget.
At the mechanic
O mecânico disse que o motor tem um grave problema.
The mechanic said the engine has a serious problem.
Texting a friend about a mistake
Amigo, acho que cometi um grave problema no trabalho.
Friend, I think I made a serious mistake at work.
Contexto cultural
The word 'grave' shares the same Latin root as 'gravity,' implying a situation with significant weight. In Lusophone cultures, using this phrase often signals a shift from casual conversation to a serious, problem-solving mode.
The Power of Word Order
In Portuguese, putting the adjective before the noun (grave problema) sounds more dramatic and formal than putting it after (problema grave).
Don't Cry Wolf
If you use 'grave' for everything, people will stop taking you seriously. Save it for things that actually cause stress!
En 15 segundos
- Used for serious, high-stakes situations that need immediate attention.
- Place 'grave' before 'problema' for extra dramatic emphasis.
- Avoid using it for minor inconveniences to prevent sounding dramatic.
What It Means
Grave problema is your heavy-hitter phrase for trouble. In Portuguese, grave means serious, severe, or deep. It is not for a broken pencil. It is for a broken car on a highway. You use it when the stakes are high. It implies that the situation is not just annoying. It is something that requires a solution right now.
How To Use It
You usually place the adjective grave before the noun problema. This adds a bit of dramatic weight. You can say temos um grave problema (we have a grave problem). It works with the verb ser (to be) or ter (to have). It is very flexible. You can use it for health, money, or work. Just remember to sound a bit concerned when you say it!
When To Use It
Use it in a professional meeting if a project is failing. Use it at the doctor if a symptom is worrying. Use it with your partner if the pipes burst in the kitchen. It is perfect for news reports or serious discussions. If you are texting a friend about something truly bad, this fits. It signals to the listener: 'Hey, pay attention, this is big.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for trivial things. If you ran out of milk, it is not a grave problema. That would sound very sarcastic or overly dramatic. Avoid it in lighthearted jokes unless you want to be funny. If a friend is five minutes late, do not use this. Use pequeno imprevisto (small unforeseen event) instead. Keep this phrase for when things actually go wrong.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers can be quite expressive and emotional. However, when someone says grave problema, the room usually goes quiet. It is a phrase that commands respect and focus. In Brazil, people might use slang for problems, but grave remains the standard for 'official' trouble. It has a Latin root that connects to 'gravity' or 'weight.' You are literally saying the problem has a lot of weight.
Common Variations
You might hear problema grave as well. Putting the adjective after the noun is also correct. It is slightly less dramatic but means the same thing. People also say seríssimo problema for extra emphasis. In casual speech, you might hear problemão (big problem). But grave problema is the most 'correct' and impactful way to say it. It sounds mature and clear.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral to formal. The main pitfall for English speakers is the gender of 'problema'—always use masculine modifiers (um, o, este).
The Power of Word Order
In Portuguese, putting the adjective before the noun (grave problema) sounds more dramatic and formal than putting it after (problema grave).
Don't Cry Wolf
If you use 'grave' for everything, people will stop taking you seriously. Save it for things that actually cause stress!
The Brazilian Sarcasm
Brazilians might use this phrase sarcastically if you're complaining about something tiny, like a broken fingernail, to mock the drama.
Ejemplos
6Temos um grave problema com o orçamento deste mês.
We have a serious problem with this month's budget.
Used here to signal a professional crisis.
O mecânico disse que o motor tem um grave problema.
The mechanic said the engine has a serious problem.
Indicates a costly or difficult repair.
Amigo, acho que cometi um grave problema no trabalho.
Friend, I think I made a serious mistake at work.
Conveys anxiety and the need for support.
Felizmente, não é um grave problema de saúde.
Fortunately, it's not a serious health problem.
Used to provide relief after a medical checkup.
Ficar sem café de manhã é um grave problema para mim!
Running out of coffee in the morning is a serious problem for me!
Using a heavy phrase for a small thing creates humor.
A poluição é um grave problema mundial.
Pollution is a serious global problem.
Used in a formal, educational context.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for a serious situation.
O vazamento de água na sala é um ___ problema.
A water leak in the living room is a serious matter, so 'grave' is the most appropriate choice.
Where does 'grave' usually go for more emphasis?
Temos um ___ problema ___.
While both work, placing 'grave' before 'problema' is the most common way to emphasize the severity.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality and Intensity Spectrum
Using slang for big problems
Um problemão
Standard way to describe trouble
Um problema grave
Serious tone for major issues
Um grave problema
Where to use 'Grave Problema'
Hospital
Health issues
Office
Budget errors
Home
Broken appliances
News
Global crises
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, exactly. In this context, grave is a direct synonym for sério, but it often feels a bit heavier or more official.
Not really. You wouldn't call a person a grave pessoa. You would call them a pessoa séria (serious person).
Yes, it is very appropriate. For example: Chefe, temos um grave problema com o cliente.
You can add muito before it: um problema muito grave. Or use gravíssimo.
It is masculine! Even though it ends in 'a', you must say um grave problema, not uma.
Only if it's a massive, multi-hour standstill. Otherwise, it's just trânsito ruim (bad traffic).
You could say um probleminha (a little problem) or algo simples (something simple).
Yes, it is universally understood and used across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Yes, cometi um grave erro (I made a serious mistake) is a very common related expression.
Not at all. It is a timeless, standard expression used by people of all ages.
Frases relacionadas
problema sério
situação crítica
questão delicada
erro gravíssimo
Comentarios (0)
Inicia Sesión para ComentarEmpieza a aprender idiomas gratis
Empieza Gratis