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actual problem

[ˈæktʃuəl ˈprɑbləm]
noun phrasepl: actual problems
problema real
1. A genuine or existing difficulty or issue, as opposed to a hypothetical or perceived one
The actual problem is not the cost, but the lack of resources.
O problema real não é o custo, mas a falta de recursos.
2. The true or real issue underlying a situation, often distinct from what appears superficially
We need to identify the actual problem before we can solve it.
Precisamos identificar o problema real antes de podermos resolvê-lo.
NYC Slang
the real deal / the real issue
Synonyms
real problemgenuine problemtrue issueconcrete problemsubstantive issue
Antonyms
hypothetical problemperceived problemimaginary problemfalse problem

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
problema real
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
problema real / problema de verdade
Colloquial variant using 'de verdade' for emphasis
São Paulo
problema real / problema concreto
Business and formal contexts may prefer 'concreto'
Portugal
problema real / problema efetivo
'Efetivo' also used in formal Portuguese contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

get to the root of the problem
cut to the chase
separate the wheat from the chaff
address the elephant in the room
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