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How to Say ‘I have a small problem.’ in French

J'ai un petit problème.

zhay ay uhn puh-TEE proh-BLEM

[zhay ay uhn puh-TEE proh-BLEM]

Phrase Breakdown

J'

[zhay]

I

Contracted form of je before a vowel, used here in j'ai.

Example

J' ai besoin de prévenir le propriétaire.

I need to inform the landlord.

ai

[ay]

have

Form of avoir used with j' to say I have.

Example

J'ai : le mot ai montre que j'ai un souci.

J'ai: the word ai shows that I have an issue.

Un petit problème

uhn puh-TEE proh-BLEM

a small problem

A polite way to say there is a minor issue.

Example

J'ai un petit problème avec la porte.

I have a small problem with the door.

Words in this phrase

un

[uhn]

a

Indefinite article meaning a or one.

Example

J'ai un petit problème avec la douche.

I have a small problem with the shower.

petit

[puh-TEE]

small

Means small, little, or minor.

Example

C'est un petit problème, mais c'est gênant.

It's a small problem, but it's annoying.

problème

[proh-BLEM]

problem

An issue or trouble to explain to someone.

Example

Mon problème est que l'eau chaude ne marche plus.

My problem is that the hot water no longer works.

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