问题是...
The problem is...
Literally: Question/Problem is...
Use this phrase to pivot from a suggestion to the practical reality of why it might not work.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to introduce a complication or a 'catch'.
- Place it at the start of a sentence for impact.
- Perfect for politely declining invitations by citing an obstacle.
Meaning
This is your go-to phrase for pointing out a catch or a roadblock. It’s the verbal equivalent of a 'but' that introduces the real reason why something won't work.
Key Examples
3 of 6Declining a dinner invitation
我很想去，但问题是我今天要加班。
I really want to go, but the problem is I have to work late today.
Discussing a broken phone
问题是，我不知道在哪儿修手机。
The problem is, I don't know where to get my phone fixed.
In a business meeting
现在的关键问题是我们的预算不够。
The key problem right now is that our budget is insufficient.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, directly saying 'no' can be seen as rude or face-breaking. Using 'The problem is...' allows the speaker to blame an external circumstance rather than personal choice, which helps maintain social harmony (mianzi). It became a staple of modern conversational Mandarin as a way to balance efficiency with politeness.
The 'But' Duo
Pair it with `但是` (dànshì) to sound extra natural. For example: `我想去，但是问题是...`
Don't Overuse It
If you start every sentence with this, you might sound like a 'Negative Nancy'. Mix it up with `其实` (actually) sometimes.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to introduce a complication or a 'catch'.
- Place it at the start of a sentence for impact.
- Perfect for politely declining invitations by citing an obstacle.
What It Means
问题是... (wèntí shì) is a super common way to pivot a conversation. You use it when you need to bring up a hurdle or a complication. It’s like saying, "Here’s the thing..." or "The catch is...". It signals that while the current plan sounds good, there is a specific obstacle you need to address. It’s direct but very natural.
How To Use It
Simply place it at the start of your sentence. You can use it to respond to a suggestion or to explain your own hesitation. For example, if a friend asks you to go to a concert, you might say, 问题是我没钱 (The problem is I have no money). It’s a bridge between the situation and the reality check. You don't need fancy grammar to make this work. Just state the phrase and follow it with the problem.
When To Use It
Use it whenever there's a 'but' involved. At a restaurant, you might say it if the dish you want is sold out. In a meeting, use it to point out a budget issue. When texting, it’s great for explaining why you’re running late. It works perfectly in any situation where you need to be the voice of reason. It’s a very practical tool for daily survival in Chinese.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are actually asking a question. If you want to ask "What is the problem?", you should say 什么问题?. 问题是... is for making a statement, not seeking an answer. Also, avoid using it too aggressively with elders or bosses. It can sound a bit blunt if you don't soften it with a polite opening like 不好意思 (Excuse me).
Cultural Background
Chinese communication can sometimes be indirect. However, 问题是... is a very common way to be 'politely direct.' It focuses on the 'problem' (the objective fact) rather than the person. By saying the problem is the situation, you save face for everyone involved. It’s a clever way to say 'no' without actually saying the word 'no'.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, you can say 麻烦的是... (The annoying thing is...). If you are in a very serious business setting, you might hear 核心问题是... (The core problem is...). For a bit more emphasis, try 关键是... (The key is...). All of these help you navigate different levels of 'the catch' in your daily life.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is safe to use in 90% of daily interactions, from buying groceries to discussing business strategy.
The 'But' Duo
Pair it with `但是` (dànshì) to sound extra natural. For example: `我想去，但是问题是...`
Don't Overuse It
If you start every sentence with this, you might sound like a 'Negative Nancy'. Mix it up with `其实` (actually) sometimes.
The Face-Saving Trick
In China, using this phrase shifts the blame to an abstract 'problem' rather than a person, which helps everyone keep their 'face' (prestige).
Examples
6我很想去，但问题是我今天要加班。
I really want to go, but the problem is I have to work late today.
A classic way to decline while showing you actually wanted to go.
问题是，我不知道在哪儿修手机。
The problem is, I don't know where to get my phone fixed.
Expressing a specific hurdle in a casual conversation.
现在的关键问题是我们的预算不够。
The key problem right now is that our budget is insufficient.
Adding 'key' (guānjiàn) makes it sound more professional and focused.
问题是我没带护照！
The problem is I didn't bring my passport!
High energy and urgent, perfect for a panicked text.
我想做红烧肉，问题是家里没糖了。
I want to make braised pork, but the problem is we're out of sugar.
A relatable, everyday domestic hurdle.
我想减肥，但问题是巧克力太好吃了。
I want to lose weight, but the problem is chocolate is too delicious.
Using the phrase to state a funny or self-deprecating truth.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence where someone is explaining why they can't buy a car.
我想买车，___ 我没有驾照。
The speaker is explaining the obstacle (not having a license), so 'The problem is' fits perfectly.
Complete the professional excuse.
这个计划很好，___ 我们时间不够。
This introduces the constraint of time in a neutral, logical way.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of '问题是'
Talking to friends about small annoyances.
问题是我饿了。
Standard daily use in shops or with colleagues.
问题是这件衣服太贵了。
Used in meetings to highlight project risks.
现在的问题是技术不成熟。
Where to use '问题是...'
At the Mall
The problem is they don't have my size.
With a Date
The problem is I forgot my wallet.
At the Office
The problem is the WiFi is down.
At the Airport
The problem is the flight is delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, yes. It introduces an obstacle or a negative constraint, though it can be used humorously as well.
No. To ask 'What is the problem?', say 有什么问题吗?. 问题是 is strictly for making a statement.
Yes, but add a polite buffer like 不好意思 (I'm sorry) or 我想提醒一下 (I'd like to remind you) before it.
问题是 focuses on a hurdle, while 关键是 (The key is) focuses on the most important point, which might be a solution.
Absolutely! It's very common in WeChat to explain why you can't make it to an event.
Not at all. It's neutral. If you're explaining why you can't eat spicy food, it's a perfect phrase.
Just add 最大的 (zuì dà de) at the beginning: 最大的问题是....
Usually, it's a response to something else. Starting a conversation with it might feel like you're jumping into the middle of a thought.
Not exactly slang, but people often shorten it to just 问题在... (The problem lies in...) in more analytical discussions.
Yes, you can say 他的问题是... (His problem is...) to describe someone's flaws, but be careful as this is quite direct!
Related Phrases
关键是...
The key is...
麻烦的是...
The annoying/troublesome thing is...
其实...
Actually...
要命的是...
The worst part is... (lit. 'The life-taking thing is')
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