Eu tenho problema com o computador.

I have a problem with the computer.

Breakdown of Eu tenho problema com o computador.

• eu: I
• o: the
• ter: to have
• com: with
• problema: problem
• computador: computer

Questions & Answers about Eu tenho problema com o computador.

Why is there no article before problema in this sentence even though English uses “a problem”?

In Brazilian Portuguese, certain expressions use a noun without an article to convey a general or habitual condition. While saying "Eu tenho um problema com o computador" (I have a problem with the computer) is correct, omitting the article in "Eu tenho problema com o computador" makes the statement more idiomatic and can imply a general state or recurring issue rather than one specific instance.

Why does computador have the definite article o before it, while problema does not?

In Portuguese, singular, countable nouns that are specific usually require a definite article. Here, "o computador" refers to a particular computer that both the speaker and listener likely know about. On the other hand, in this idiomatic expression, "problema" is used without an article to indicate a general trouble or situation, which is a common usage in casual conversation.

Can I say "Eu tenho um problema com o computador" instead, and if so, what nuances does it bring?

Yes, you can say "Eu tenho um problema com o computador." Using um emphasizes a countable, specific instance—a particular problem. In contrast, omitting the article as in "Eu tenho problema com o computador" tends to make the statement feel more general or habitual. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a single, distinct issue or speak more broadly about having difficulties.

What is the grammatical structure of the sentence "Eu tenho problema com o computador"?

The sentence follows a simple subject-verb-object-prepositional phrase order: • Eu is the subject (“I”). • tenho is the first-person singular form of ter (“to have”). • problema is the noun (“problem”). • com is the preposition (“with”). • o computador is the object noun phrase (“the computer”).
Each element plays its role to construct a clear statement about experiencing an issue with the computer.

Why is problema considered a masculine noun even though it ends in a?

Although many Portuguese nouns ending in a are feminine, problema is one of the notable exceptions—it is masculine. This exception is a quirk of the language, and learners are encouraged to memorize the gender of common nouns like problema through exposure and practice.