tenía problemas

was having problems

→ tener
phrase Rare #24,587
was having problems Used to say someone had difficulties or trouble.
SP: Cuando era niño, tenía problemas en la escuela.
EN: When I was a child, I was having problems at school.

Definitivamente Tom tenía problemas con su hijo mayor.

Tom definitely had problems with his eldest son.

Tom descubrió que Mary tenía problemas y fue a ayudarla.

Tom discovered that Mary was having problems and went to help her.

Tenía problemas.

I had problems.

— TÁR (2022)

Ella dijo que alguien más tenía problemas.

She said that someone else was having problems.

— Mulholland Drive (2001)

Tom me dijo que tenía problemas para quedarse dormido.

Tom told me he was having trouble falling asleep.

Mary dijo que Tom tenía problemas.

Mary said that Tom was having problems.

Doy fe de que este chico tenía problemas.

I can vouch for the fact that this boy had problems.

— Relatos salvajes (2014)

Él no tenía problemas para dormir.

He had no trouble sleeping.

— Mother Night (1996)

Tenía problemas en la fábrica.

I was having problems at the factory.

— Adiós, muchachos (1987)

Mi abuelo tenía problemas de psicosis.

My grandfather had psychosis problems.

— Eternity (2025)

Ella me pidió ayuda cuando tenía problemas.

She asked me for help when she had problems.

Mi hermano tenía problemas, pero yo podría haberlo ayudado.

My brother had problems, but I could have helped him.

— Sin piedad (2026)

Tomás tenía problemas para llegar a fin de mes.

Tomás was having trouble making ends meet.