How to Say "to solve" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to solve” is “resolver” — use this verb for common problems, mysteries, or conflicts that need a definitive answer or resolution..
resolver
reh-sol-VEHR/re.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).
solucionar
soh-loo-syoh-NAR/solusjoˈnaɾ/
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'.
remediar
/reh-meh-dee-ahr//remeˈðjaɾ/
Examples
Debemos remediar este problema antes de que empeore.
We must remedy this problem before it gets worse.
El gobierno está buscando formas de remediar el desempleo.
The government is looking for ways to solve unemployment.
Siento mucho lo ocurrido, pero ya no se puede remediar.
I'm very sorry about what happened, but it can't be fixed now.
Direct Object Usage
In Spanish, you 'remediar' the problem directly. You don't need a preposition like 'with' or 'of' between the verb and the thing you are fixing.
Abstract vs. Physical
This verb is best for abstract things like situations, errors, or problems. For physical things like a broken car, use 'arreglar' instead.
Misusing 'arreglar'
Mistake: “Using 'arreglar' for deep societal problems in formal writing.”
Correction: Use 'remediar' for more formal or serious contexts involving 'fixing' situations or injustices.
Resolver vs. Solucionar vs. Remediar
Related Translations
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