Inklingo

How to Say "resolve" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “resolve” is “voluntad” — use 'voluntad' when referring to the mental or moral strength and determination needed to do something difficult, especially to overcome a bad habit or achieve a challenging goal.

voluntad🔊B1

Use 'voluntad' when referring to the mental or moral strength and determination needed to do something difficult, especially to overcome a bad habit or achieve a challenging goal.

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determinaciónB1

Employ 'determinación' to describe a strong, unwavering purpose or commitment to achieve a specific objective, highlighting the firmness of one's intention.

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decisiónB2

Choose 'decisión' when the focus is on the act of making a firm choice or a strong internal commitment to a particular course of action, often implying overcoming hesitation.

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fuerzas🔊A2

Use 'fuerzas' to talk about the inner strength, energy, or vigor someone possesses, especially when they are recovering from an illness or facing a physically or mentally demanding situation.

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resoluciónC1

Opt for 'resolución' when describing a formal decision or a steadfast firmness of purpose, particularly in how someone faces challenges or danger with courage and conviction.

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English → Spanish

voluntad

boh-loon-TAHDbolunˈtad

nounB1general
Use 'voluntad' when referring to the mental or moral strength and determination needed to do something difficult, especially to overcome a bad habit or achieve a challenging goal.
A small figure straining slightly while successfully pushing a large, colorful block uphill, symbolizing internal drive and mental strength.

Examples

Se necesita mucha voluntad para dejar de fumar.

It takes a lot of willpower to quit smoking.

Su fuerza de voluntad es increíble; nunca se rinde.

Her willpower is incredible; she never gives up.

Use with Strength

To talk about the amount of willpower, you usually use it with the word 'fuerza' (strength) to form the common phrase 'fuerza de voluntad'.

Missing the 'De'

Mistake: “Quiero más fuerza voluntad.”

Correction: Quiero más fuerza de voluntad. (Always include the little word 'de' to link 'fuerza' and 'voluntad'.)

determinación

nounB1general
Employ 'determinación' to describe a strong, unwavering purpose or commitment to achieve a specific objective, highlighting the firmness of one's intention.

Examples

Ella tiene mucha determinación para aprender español.

She has a lot of determination to learn Spanish.

decisión

nounB2general
Choose 'decisión' when the focus is on the act of making a firm choice or a strong internal commitment to a particular course of action, often implying overcoming hesitation.

Examples

Admiro su decisión para superar los obstáculos.

I admire her determination to overcome obstacles.

fuerzas

FWEHR-sas (or FWEHR-thas in Spain)fweɾ.θas

nounA2general
Use 'fuerzas' to talk about the inner strength, energy, or vigor someone possesses, especially when they are recovering from an illness or facing a physically or mentally demanding situation.
A strong person, depicted as a simplified storybook character, easily lifting a large, heavy boulder above their head, illustrating physical strength.

Examples

Después de la enfermedad, le faltaban fuerzas para levantarse.

After the illness, he lacked the strength to get up.

Tenemos que reunir fuerzas antes de la caminata.

We have to gather our energy (or strength) before the hike.

Lo hizo con todas sus fuerzas, pero no fue suficiente.

He did it with all his might, but it wasn't enough.

Always Plural for Energy

When talking about physical or emotional vigor, 'fuerzas' is almost always used in its plural form, even though we often translate it as the singular 'strength' in English.

Missing the S

Mistake: “Usando 'fuerza' para decir 'I don't have strength/energy'.”

Correction: When meaning energy or vigor, use the plural: 'No tengo fuerzas.' (I don't have energy/strength).

resolución

nounC1formal
Opt for 'resolución' when describing a formal decision or a steadfast firmness of purpose, particularly in how someone faces challenges or danger with courage and conviction.

Examples

Actuó con mucha resolución ante el peligro.

He acted with great resolve in the face of danger.

Choosing between 'voluntad', 'determinación', and 'decisión'

Learners often confuse 'voluntad', 'determinación', and 'decisión'. Remember that 'voluntad' emphasizes the inner willpower, 'determinación' highlights a firm purpose towards a goal, and 'decisión' focuses more on the act of choosing strongly.

Related Translations

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