tenía problemas

had problems

→ tener
phrase Rare #27,087
had problems Often refers to experiencing difficulties; the context indicates what kind of problems.
SP: Cuando tenía problemas, hablaba con su hermana.
EN: When she had problems, she talked to her sister.

Tom descubrió que Mary tenía problemas y fue a ayudarla.

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

Ella me pidió ayuda cuando tenía problemas.

She asked me for help when she had problems.

Ella dijo que alguien más tenía problemas.

She said that someone else was having problems.

— Mulholland Drive: Sueños, misterios y secretos (2001)

Tomás tenía problemas para llegar a fin de mes.

Tomás was having trouble making ends meet.

Tenía problemas en la fábrica.

I was having problems at the factory.

— Adiós, muchachos (1987)

Definitivamente Tom tenía problemas con su hijo mayor.

Tom definitely had problems with his eldest son.

Doy fe de que este chico tenía problemas.

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

— Relatos salvajes (2014)

Mi abuelo tenía problemas de psicosis.

My grandfather had psychosis problems.

— Eternidad (2025)

Tenía problemas respiratorios.

He had breathing problems.

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.

Él no tenía problemas para dormir.

He had no trouble sleeping.

— Mother Night (1996)

Tenía problemas.

I had problems.

— TÁR (2022)

Mi hermano tenía problemas, pero yo podría haberlo ayudado.

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

— Sin piedad (2026)