Breakdown of Herhangi bir problem var mı?
bir
a / an
var
there is / existent
problem
problem
mi
question particle (mı/mi/mu/mü)
Questions & Answers about Herhangi bir problem var mı?
We previously learned that hiç means 'any'. Why use herhangi bir here instead of hiç?
Hiç is used for 'any' when focusing on quantity, usually expecting a negative answer ('none at all'). Herhangi bir focuses on identity, meaning 'any one whatsoever'. While you can say Hiç problem var mı?, Herhangi bir problem var mı? is much more natural when checking if a random issue has come up.
Can I drop bir and just say Herhangi problem var mı?
No, when modifying a noun, herhangi must almost always be paired with bir. You should treat herhangi bir as a single fixed phrase meaning 'any' or 'any whatsoever'.
In English we often ask 'Are there any problems?' in the plural. Why is problem singular here?
Because of the word bir. In Turkish, a noun following a number or a determiner that includes bir must always be singular. Therefore, herhangi bir is always followed by a singular noun, even if it translates to a plural noun in English.
Is there a difference between using problem and sorun in this sentence?