Inklingo

How to Say "to resolve" in Spanish

English → Spanish

decidir

/deh-see-DEER//de.siˈðiɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'decidir' when you need to make a choice or settle a question, similar to 'to decide'.
A small child stands at a fork in a road, pointing confidently down one of the paths, signifying a choice has been made.

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-NAR/solusjoˈnaɾ/

verbB1general
Choose 'solucionar' when the context is about finding a solution to a problem, conflict, or difficult situation, akin to 'to solve'.
A colorful jigsaw puzzle shown nearly complete, with the final missing piece hovering directly above its correct position, ready to solve the puzzle.

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-NAR/de.teɾ.miˈnaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'determinar' when expressing a firm commitment or decision to do something, often implying a more formal or strong intention than 'decidir'.
A child stands at a fork in a colorful forest path, firmly pointing down the right path with a confident expression, illustrating making a decision.

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).

Choosing between 'decidir' and 'solucionar'

Learners often confuse 'decidir' (to decide) with 'solucionar' (to solve). Remember that 'decidir' is about making a choice, while 'solucionar' is about fixing a problem.

Related Translations

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