The Spanish word 'problema' (meaning 'problem') comes from Latin 'problēma', which was borrowed from Ancient Greek 'πρόβλημα' (problema). The Greek word is fascinating because it literally meant 'something thrown forward' or 'a question posed' and was built from three parts: 'pro-' meaning 'before, forward', 'ballein' meaning 'to throw', and the suffix '-ma' indicating 'the result of an action'. So originally, a problem was conceptualized as something thrown forward for discussion or consideration!

Some related Spanish words that share this Greek root include 'proyectil' (projectile) and 'proyectar' (to project), which also contain the idea of throwing or casting forward. The word 'balística' (ballistics) is related through the Greek 'ballein' (to throw).

English speakers will recognize many cognates from this same Greek origin. Obviously 'problem' is nearly identical to the Spanish 'problema'. Other related English words include 'ballistic' (from 'ballein'), 'project' and 'projectile' (both incorporating the ideas of 'pro-' (forward) and 'throwing'), and 'symbol' (which originally meant 'something thrown together' using the same 'ballein' root).