French Phrase
C'est probablement un problème matériel.
Meaning
It means “It’s probably a hardware problem.” The word "matériel" refers specifically to the physical components of a device, not to software or abstract material.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are diagnosing technical issues—computers, smartphones, printers, etc.—and want to suggest that the fault lies in the physical equipment rather than the software.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estprobablementunproblèmematériel.
C'est (Ce + est)
The contraction "C'" is the demonstrative pronoun "ce" combined with the verb "être" (to be) in the third person singular.
Probablement (adverb)
"Probablement" is an adverb of probability; it modifies the whole clause, not a noun.
Indefinite article + noun
"un" introduces a non‑specific masculine singular noun, here "problème".
Post‑positive adjective
The adjective "matériel" follows the noun because it belongs to the group of adjectives that normally come after the noun (e.g., "un problème matériel").
🗨In Conversation
C'est probablement un problème matériel.
It's probably a hardware problem.
D'accord, je vais vérifier le disque dur.
Okay, I'll check the hard drive.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est probable un problème matériel.
Use the adverb "probablement" instead of the adjective "probable" to modify the verb.
C'est probablement un problème de matériel.
"de matériel" changes the meaning to "a problem of material" rather than "hardware".
↔Alternatives
Il s'agit probablement d'un problème matériel.
It is probably a hardware problem.
C'est sans doute un problème matériel.
It's most likely a hardware problem.
C'est vraisemblablement un problème matériel.
It is apparently a hardware problem.
Cultural Tip
In French technical conversations, distinguishing "matériel" (hardware) from "logiciel" (software) is crucial. The phrase is neutral and works in both formal and informal settings, but in a professional report you might prefer "Il s'agit d'un problème matériel" for a slightly more formal tone.