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Spanish Phrase

Lo más probable es que sea un problema de hardware.

/lo mas pɾoˈβa.βle es ke ˈse.a un pɾoˈβle.ma ðe ˈhaɾð.weɾ/
Meaning"It's most likely a hardware problem."
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Meaning

This phrase is used to express a high degree of probability or likelihood about a situation. The structure "Lo más probable es que" always requires the subjunctive mood for the verb that follows, indicating that the outcome is not a certainty but a strong possibility. It translates directly to "The most probable thing is that it is..."

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When to use

You would typically use this phrase when diagnosing an issue, especially in a technical context, where you're offering your best assessment of the cause. It's suitable for discussions about troubleshooting, repairs, or explaining potential reasons for a malfunction when you're not 100% certain but have strong evidence.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Lo más probablees queseaun problemade hardware

1

Lo más probable es que + Subjunctive

This fixed expression means 'It's most likely that...' or 'The most probable thing is that...'. It always triggers the subjunctive mood for the following verb because it expresses a degree of uncertainty or possibility, not a definite fact.

2

Ser (sea)

The verb 'ser' (to be) is used here in its subjunctive form 'sea'. 'Ser' is typically used for inherent qualities, classifications, or identifying what something is, which fits perfectly when describing the nature of the problem.

3

Un problema de...

The structure 'un problema de' (a problem of/with) is common in Spanish to specify the nature or origin of an issue. 'Hardware' is a direct loanword from English, widely used in Spanish.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Por qué no funciona mi ordenador?

Why isn't my computer working?

Lo más probable es que sea un problema de hardware.

It's most likely a hardware problem.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Lo más probable es que es un problema de hardware.

    After "Lo más probable es que," the subjunctive mood is required, so "sea" (from 'ser') should be used instead of the indicative "es."

  • Lo más probable que sea un problema de hardware.

    The full structure is "Lo más probable es que." Omitting "es" is incorrect.

↔Alternatives

  • Es muy probable que sea un problema de hardware.

    It's very probable that it's a hardware problem.

  • Probablemente sea un problema de hardware.

    It's probably a hardware problem.

  • Seguramente es un problema de hardware.

    Surely it's a hardware problem.

es

Cultural Tip

In Spanish-speaking cultures, especially in technical or professional settings, directness in diagnosing problems is common. While this phrase expresses probability, it's a clear and concise way to state a strong hypothesis. The term 'hardware' is a widely adopted English loanword in Spanish, reflecting the global nature of technology, so you'll hear it frequently without translation.