How to Say ‘I have a small problem.’ in French
J'ai un petit problème.
zh ay uhn puh-TEE proh-BLEM
[zh ay uhn puh-TEE proh-BLEM]
Phrase Breakdown
J'ai
zh ay
I have
Common contraction of je + ai, used to express possession or a condition.
J'ai faim.
I am hungry.
Words in this phrase
J'
[zh]
I have
Contracted form of je + ai, used to say I have.
J'ai un petit problème. Pouvez-vous envoyer un plombier ?
I have a small problem. Can you send a plumber?
ai
[ay]
have
First-person singular form of avoir, used with j' in J'ai.
J'ai un petit problème. L'eau chaude ne marche plus.
I have a small problem. The hot water no longer works.
Un petit problème
uhn puh-TEE proh-BLEM
A small problem
Used to describe a minor issue or difficulty.
J'ai un petit problème.
I have a small problem.
Words in this phrase
un
[uhn]
a
An indefinite article meaning a or one before a masculine noun.
J'ai un petit problème. Ce n'est pas très grave, mais c'est urgent.
I have a small problem. It's not very serious, but it's urgent.
petit
[puh-TEE]
small
An adjective meaning small or minor.
J'ai un petit problème. La douche est froide.
I have a small problem. The shower is cold.
problème
[proh-BLEM]
problem
A noun meaning problem or issue.
J'ai un petit problème. Le chauffe-eau ne fonctionne pas.
I have a small problem. The water heater is not working.
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