Spanish Phrase
¿Qué causó este problema?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the origin or reason behind a specific issue: 'What caused this problem?'. It is a direct way to request an explanation of a situation that has already occurred.
When to use
Use this question when you need to identify the source of a difficulty that has just arisen, whether in a work meeting, a classroom, or a casual conversation about a mishap.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quécausóesteproblema
Qué (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask for information about something; it always carries an accent in questions.
causó (preterite of causar)
Third‑person singular preterite of the verb 'causar' (to cause). The accent on the 'ó' marks the past tense.
este (demonstrative adjective)
Points to a specific noun that is close to the speaker; it agrees in gender and number with 'problema'.
problema (masculine noun)
A masculine noun ending in -a; remember that its plural is 'problemas' and the article is 'el' in singular.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué causó este problema con la impresora?
What caused this problem with the printer?
Parece que se quedó sin tinta y el cartucho está atascado.
It looks like it ran out of ink and the cartridge is jammed.
✕Common Mistakes
Que causó este problema?
Missing accent; 'Qué' must have an accent when used as a question word.
¿Qué causo este problema?
Present tense; the sentence refers to a past event, so use the preterite 'causó'.
¿Qué causó ese problema?
If the problem is not close to the speaker, use 'ese' or 'aquel' instead.
↔Alternatives
¿Cuál fue la causa de este problema?
What was the cause of this problem?
¿Qué originó este problema?
What originated this problem?
¿Qué provocó este problema?
What provoked this problem?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, speakers often prefer 'causar' for neutral, factual causes, while 'provocar' can sound a bit stronger or imply blame. In formal settings, '¿Cuál fue la causa…?' is common, whereas in everyday conversation '¿Qué causó…?' feels natural and concise.