resolver
“resolver” means “to solve” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to solve, to resolve
Also: to work out
📝 In Action
Necesitamos resolver este problema antes de la reunión.
A2We need to solve this problem before the meeting.
Ella siempre resuelve los crucigramas muy rápido.
B1She always solves crosswords very quickly.
El detective resolvió el misterio en una semana.
B1The detective resolved the mystery in one week.
to decide, to determine
Also: to settle on
📝 In Action
Se resolvió a estudiar medicina, aunque fuera difícil.
B2She decided (resolved herself) to study medicine, even if it was difficult.
El juez resolvió que la propiedad debía venderse.
C1The judge determined that the property had to be sold.
Ellos resolvieron no hablar del tema nunca más.
B2They decided not to talk about the subject ever again.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: resolver
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the E>UE stem change for 'resolver'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *resolvere*, which means 'to loosen,' 'to untie,' or 'to undo.' This perfectly captures the modern meaning of 'undoing' a problem or knot.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'resolver' and 'solucionar'?
'Resolver' is often used for complicated issues, conflicts, or mysteries, focusing on the act of finding the solution. 'Solucionar' is generally interchangeable and focuses specifically on the 'solution' (*la solución*). They are often synonyms, but 'resolver' is more common for formal decisions or personal resolve.
How do I know when to use 'resolver' versus 'resolverse'?
Use 'resolver' when the action is directed at an external thing (a problem, a doubt: *resolver el problema*). Use 'resolverse' when the action is directed inward, meaning you are making a firm decision or commitment (*resolverse a estudiar*: to decide to study).