Spanish - Basic Problem Statements

Me lastimé ___.

I hurt my ___.

Meaning: I hurt my ___.

When to use: Use to tell someone you have a small injury to a body part, usually followed by the part with the article (la mano, el pie).

Tip: Don’t drop the reflexive 'me'. Saying 'Lastimé la mano' sounds unnatural for this meaning.

___ está roto.

The ___ is broken.

Meaning: The ___ is broken.

When to use: Say this when an object or part of something is not working or is physically broken; match gender if you use an adjective (roto/rota).

Tip: Remember agreement: use 'rota' for feminine nouns (la puerta está rota).

Se me olvidó ___.

I forgot ___.

Meaning: I forgot ___.

When to use: A natural way to say you forgot something; works for objects and small actions (se me olvidó la llave; se me olvidó llamar).

Perdí ___.

I missed ___.

Meaning: I missed ___.

When to use: Use to say you missed transport, an appointment, or an event (el autobús, la cita, el tren).

Voy tarde.

I'm late.

Meaning: I'm late.

When to use: Say this when you are on your way and running behind schedule (Voy tarde). If you already arrived late, use 'Llegué tarde'.

Tip: Don’t confuse 'Voy tarde' (I'm on my way and late) with 'Llegué tarde' (I already arrived late).

No puedo pagar.

I can't pay.

Meaning: I can't pay.

When to use: Use this to explain a problem paying now, for example at a store or for transport.

Está demasiado ___.

It's too ___.

Meaning: It’s too ___.

When to use: Finish with an adjective to explain why something is a problem (demasiado caro, demasiado rápido, demasiado frío).