B1 Collocation خنثی 2 دقیقه مطالعه

minor problem

مشكلة صغيرة

Use it to describe small setbacks while staying calm and keeping others relaxed.

در ۱۵ ثانیه

  • A small, manageable issue that is easy to solve.
  • Used to minimize drama and stay professional or calm.
  • Perfect for daily inconveniences like late buses or lost keys.

معنی

A 'minor problem' is a small difficulty or issue that is easy to fix. It is something that might slow you down for a moment but won't ruin your whole day.

مثال‌های کلیدی

3 از 6
1

At a restaurant

There is a minor problem with my order; I asked for no onions.

There is a minor problem with my order; I asked for no onions.

😊
2

In a business meeting

We ran into a minor problem with the software update this morning.

We ran into a minor problem with the software update this morning.

💼
3

Texting a friend

Minor problem: I'm going to be 5 minutes late!

Minor problem: I'm going to be 5 minutes late!

😊
🌍

زمینه فرهنگی

The phrase reflects a Western cultural preference for 'understatement.' By labeling a struggle as 'minor,' the speaker signals that they are calm and capable of handling the situation without panic.

💡

The 'But' Technique

Always follow 'minor problem' with a solution. Example: 'We have a minor problem, but I already called the technician.'

⚠️

Avoid Sarcasm

Be careful using this for big issues. Saying 'minor problem' when a house is on fire sounds sarcastic and might annoy people.

در ۱۵ ثانیه

  • A small, manageable issue that is easy to solve.
  • Used to minimize drama and stay professional or calm.
  • Perfect for daily inconveniences like late buses or lost keys.

What It Means

Think of a minor problem as a tiny bump in the road. It is not a mountain. It is like losing your pen or being five minutes late. You notice it, you fix it, and you move on. It is the opposite of a 'major crisis'.

How To Use It

You use this phrase to keep things calm. It tells people that while something went wrong, it is not a disaster. You can use it as a noun in a sentence. For example, 'We have a minor problem with the Wi-Fi.' It sounds very natural and controlled.

When To Use It

Use it when you want to be polite or professional. It works great at the office when a printer jams. It is perfect at a restaurant if they forget your drink. Use it with friends when you realize you forgot your umbrella. It shows you are a relaxed person who handles stress well.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for big disasters. If your car is stolen, do not call it a minor problem. That sounds sarcastic or very strange. Also, do not use it if someone is very upset. They might feel you are not taking their feelings seriously. Avoid it during life-changing events.

Cultural Background

English speakers love to understate things. We often use 'minor' to avoid sounding dramatic. It is part of 'keeping a stiff upper lip' in British culture. In American culture, it is used to show you are a 'problem solver'. It makes you look like you are in control of the situation.

Common Variations

You might hear people say 'small issue' or 'slight hiccup'. Some people say 'minor setback' if it delays their plans. These all mean roughly the same thing. However, minor problem is the most common and clear version. It is a classic 'safe' phrase for any English speaker.

نکات کاربردی

The phrase is very versatile and fits almost any situation from a first date to a boardroom. Just ensure the 'problem' is actually small to avoid sounding dismissive.

💡

The 'But' Technique

Always follow 'minor problem' with a solution. Example: 'We have a minor problem, but I already called the technician.'

⚠️

Avoid Sarcasm

Be careful using this for big issues. Saying 'minor problem' when a house is on fire sounds sarcastic and might annoy people.

💬

Softening the Blow

English speakers use this phrase to be 'polite'. It's a way to complain without sounding like you are complaining.

مثال‌ها

6
#1 At a restaurant
😊

There is a minor problem with my order; I asked for no onions.

There is a minor problem with my order; I asked for no onions.

Politely pointing out a small mistake to a waiter.

#2 In a business meeting
💼

We ran into a minor problem with the software update this morning.

We ran into a minor problem with the software update this morning.

Professional way to report a small technical bug.

#3 Texting a friend
😊

Minor problem: I'm going to be 5 minutes late!

Minor problem: I'm going to be 5 minutes late!

Using it to announce a small delay via text.

#4 A humorous situation
😄

I have a minor problem... I've accidentally eaten all the cookies.

I have a minor problem... I've accidentally eaten all the cookies.

Using 'minor' ironically for something that is actually funny.

#5 Talking to a partner
🤝

It's just a minor problem, honey, don't worry about the broken vase.

It's just a minor problem, honey, don't worry about the broken vase.

Reassuring someone that a mistake isn't a big deal.

#6 Dealing with a landlord
👔

There is a minor problem with the kitchen sink leaking.

There is a minor problem with the kitchen sink leaking.

Reporting a maintenance issue without sounding angry.

خودت رو بسنج

Choose the best word to complete the sentence.

Don't worry about the delay; it's just a ___ problem.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: minor

The context 'Don't worry' suggests the problem is small and manageable.

Complete the professional report.

We encountered a ___ problem during the presentation, but we fixed it quickly.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: minor

Since it was 'fixed quickly', 'minor' is the most appropriate adjective.

🎉 امتیاز: /2

ابزارهای بصری یادگیری

Formality of 'Minor Problem'

Informal

Used with friends for small mishaps.

Minor problem: I forgot my hat.

Neutral

Standard use in shops or daily life.

There is a minor problem with the bill.

Formal

Used in reports or meetings.

The project faced a minor problem.

Where to use 'Minor Problem'

Minor Problem
💼

At Work

Printer out of ink

🚌

Travel

Bus is slightly late

🤝

Social

Forgot a friend's name

🏠

Home

Spilled some water

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

It means a small difficulty that is not serious. For example, I have a minor problem with my phone charger.

Both are correct, but minor problem sounds slightly more professional and polished. Use small problem in very casual speech.

Yes, it is perfect for work. It shows you are staying calm under pressure, like saying We had a minor problem with the schedule.

It is neutral to slightly formal. It is safer than slang but not as stiff as 'negligible issue'.

No, 'minor' is an adjective here. You need the noun problem or issue after it.

The opposite is a major problem or a serious issue. These imply things are going very wrong.

Yes, for things like a cold. You can say, I have a minor health problem today.

It sounds like 'my-ner'. The first syllable rhymes with 'sky'.

Yes, a slight hiccup is a common idiom that means the exact same thing as a minor problem.

If you call a big problem 'minor', people will think you are joking or being very brave. It is called 'understatement'.

عبارات مرتبط

Small issue

A very similar, slightly more casual way to say minor problem.

Slight hiccup

An idiomatic way to describe a small, temporary delay.

Minor setback

A small problem that specifically delays progress on a goal.

No big deal

A phrase used to dismiss a problem as unimportant.

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