How to Say "to resolve" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to resolve” is “resolver” — use 'resolver' when you need to find a solution to a problem, conflict, or doubt that requires a definitive answer or action.
resolver
reh-sol-VEHRre.solˈβeɾ
Examples
Necesitamos resolver este problema antes de la reunión.
We need to solve this problem before the meeting.
Ella siempre resuelve los crucigramas muy rápido.
She always solves crosswords very quickly.
El detective resolvió el misterio en una semana.
The detective resolved the mystery in one week.
The E > UE Shoe Verb
In the present tense, the 'e' changes to 'ue' whenever the stress falls on that syllable (e.g., yo resuelvo, tú resuelves). The nosotros and vosotros forms do not change.
Irregular Past Participle
The past participle is 'resuelto,' not 'resolvido.' Remember this form when creating perfect tenses like 'He resuelto' (I have solved).
decidir
deh-see-DEERde.siˈðiɾ
Examples
Necesito decidir qué carrera universitaria voy a estudiar.
I need to decide what university degree I am going to study.
El árbitro decidió que fue falta y pitó el penalti.
The referee decided it was a foul and blew the whistle for the penalty.
¿Ya decidiste dónde quieres cenar esta noche?
Have you decided where you want to have dinner tonight yet?
Decidir vs. Decidirse
When used without 'se' (decidir), it means 'to decide a thing.' When used with 'se' (decidirse), it usually means 'to make up one's mind' after a period of doubt.
The Preposition Trap
Mistake: “Voy a decidir de ir al cine.”
Correction: Voy a decidir ir al cine. ('Decidir' usually takes a direct action, or the preposition 'a' when used with 'se'.)
solucionar
soh-loo-syoh-NARsolusjoˈnaɾ
Examples
Necesitamos solucionar este error antes de enviar el informe.
We need to solve this error before sending the report.
Ella siempre encuentra una manera de solucionar los problemas difíciles.
She always finds a way to resolve difficult problems.
Si no lo solucionamos hoy, tendremos que trabajar el fin de semana.
If we don't fix it today, we will have to work this weekend.
A Regular Verb
This verb is easy! It follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in '-ar,' so its endings never change unexpectedly.
Transitive Action
Like its English equivalent 'to solve,' 'solucionar' usually needs something to receive the action (a direct object). You solve 'something': 'solucionar el misterio' (solve the mystery).
Confusing 'Solucionar' and 'Resolver'
Mistake: “Usando 'resolver' cuando la palabra 'solución' es más apropiada.”
Correction: 'Solucionar' focuses on finding the answer or fix, while 'resolver' often emphasizes the process or the determination to overcome the issue. They are often interchangeable, but 'solucionar' links directly to the noun 'solución'.
determinar
day-ter-mee-NARde.teɾ.miˈnaɾ
Examples
El equipo determinó empezar el proyecto la próxima semana.
The team decided to start the project next week.
Determinamos no rendirnos a pesar de los obstáculos.
We resolved not to give up despite the obstacles.
Using Determinar with Infinitives
When 'determinar' is followed by another action (verb), that action stays in its base form (the infinitive): 'Determinaron viajar juntos' (They decided to travel together).
despejar
des-peh-HARdespeˈxaɾ
Examples
Salgo a caminar para despejar la mente.
I go for a walk to clear my head.
Sus palabras despejaron todas mis dudas.
His words cleared up all my doubts.
zanjar
Examples
Él zanja la discusión con un argumento sólido.
He settles the argument with a solid point.
Resolver vs. Decidir
Related Translations
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