In 15 Seconds
- Describes complex problems requiring significant time or effort.
- Ideal for professional settings or serious personal discussions.
- Signals that a 'quick fix' is not possible.
Meaning
This phrase describes a problem or situation that isn't a quick fix. It implies that you'll need time, effort, or a complex strategy to sort things out.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a technical bug at work
Este erro no sistema é um problema não facilmente resolvido.
This system error is a problem not easily solved.
Talking about a family argument
O conflito entre eles é algo não facilmente resolvido.
The conflict between them is something not easily solved.
Writing a formal complaint about a structural issue
A infiltração no prédio é uma questão não facilmente resolvida.
The leak in the building is an issue not easily resolved.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, this phrase is often used in political discourse to explain why social inequality persists despite various government programs. Portuguese speakers in Europe might use 'de difícil resolução' as a slightly more formal alternative in legal or bureaucratic contexts. In Luanda, the phrase might be used when discussing the complex infrastructure challenges following the civil war. Often used in the context of environmental challenges like the aftermath of cyclones, which require long-term international aid.
Use it for 'Bugs'
If you work in tech, use this phrase to explain complex tickets. It sounds much more competent than just saying 'it's hard'.
Gender Agreement
Always check if your subject is 'O problema' (masc) or 'A questão' (fem). This is the #1 mistake for B1 learners.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes complex problems requiring significant time or effort.
- Ideal for professional settings or serious personal discussions.
- Signals that a 'quick fix' is not possible.
What It Means
Think of this as the 'it's complicated' status of problem-solving. It describes a knot that won't come undone with one tug. You use it when a situation has layers. It's not just a broken glass; it's a broken relationship or a systemic bug. It signals that a simple 'sorry' or a quick patch won't cut it.
How To Use It
You usually place this after a noun. For example: um problema não facilmente resolvido. It acts like a heavy adjective. You can also use it after the verb ser (to be). It sounds polished and thoughtful. It shows you understand the gravity of the situation. Don't use it for small things like a lost pen.
When To Use It
Use it in professional meetings to manage expectations. It works great when discussing politics or social issues. Use it with friends when talking about deep dilemmas. It fits perfectly in an email to a landlord about a leak. It's also useful for technical bugs in software. It tells people: 'I'm working on it, but be patient.'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this for trivial, everyday inconveniences. If you can't find your keys, don't use this. It sounds too dramatic and stiff for that. Don't use it if the solution is actually simple. If you just need to buy milk, it's not a problema não facilmente resolvido. Using it for tiny things makes you sound like a philosopher in a grocery store.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often appreciate acknowledging the complexity of life. There is a certain respect for 'difficult' things. We don't always look for the 'life hack' solution. Sometimes, we sit with the complexity. This phrase reflects a realistic, slightly stoic worldview. It’s about being honest regarding the effort required. It avoids the 'toxic positivity' of saying everything is easy.
Common Variations
You might hear difícil de resolver for a more common feel. Complexo is a shorter, punchier alternative. In slang, someone might say é um abacaxi para descascar (it's a pineapple to peel). But não facilmente resolvido remains the king of clear, formal communication. It’s the safe bet for sounding intelligent and grounded.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register collocation. It is most effective in written reports, formal debates, or serious personal discussions where you want to sound articulate.
Use it for 'Bugs'
If you work in tech, use this phrase to explain complex tickets. It sounds much more competent than just saying 'it's hard'.
Gender Agreement
Always check if your subject is 'O problema' (masc) or 'A questão' (fem). This is the #1 mistake for B1 learners.
The 'Jeitinho' Limit
Use this phrase when you want to signal that a situation requires serious, formal attention rather than a quick, informal fix.
Examples
6Este erro no sistema é um problema não facilmente resolvido.
This system error is a problem not easily solved.
Sets realistic expectations for the timeline of the fix.
O conflito entre eles é algo não facilmente resolvido.
The conflict between them is something not easily solved.
Acknowledges the emotional depth of the situation.
A infiltração no prédio é uma questão não facilmente resolvida.
The leak in the building is an issue not easily resolved.
Uses the feminine form 'resolvida' to match 'questão'.
A bagunça no meu quarto é um dilema não facilmente resolvido!
The mess in my room is a dilemma not easily solved!
The formal phrasing creates a humorous contrast with the trivial topic.
A desigualdade social é um desafio não facilmente resolvido.
Social inequality is a challenge not easily solved.
Appropriate for academic or serious social discourse.
Minha situação amorosa é algo não facilmente resolvido, viu?
My love life is something not easily solved, you know?
Adds a touch of drama to a personal update.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'resolvido'.
As crises políticas no país não são facilmente _________.
The subject 'As crises' is feminine plural, so the participle must be 'resolvidas'.
Which sentence is the most formal and correct?
Choose the best option:
This uses the correct adverb 'facilmente' and the standard passive construction.
Match the problem to the phrase.
Which of these is 'não facilmente resolvido'?
A civil war is a complex, systemic issue that fits the phrase perfectly.
Complete the dialogue.
Chefe: 'Por que o relatório ainda não está pronto?' Funcionário: 'O erro nos dados é complexo e...'
This explains the delay professionally.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAs crises políticas no país não são facilmente _________.
The subject 'As crises' is feminine plural, so the participle must be 'resolvidas'.
Choose the best option:
This uses the correct adverb 'facilmente' and the standard passive construction.
Which of these is 'não facilmente resolvido'?
A civil war is a complex, systemic issue that fits the phrase perfectly.
Chefe: 'Por que o relatório ainda não está pronto?' Funcionário: 'O erro nos dados é complexo e...'
This explains the delay professionally.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, but 'não facilmente resolvido' acts more like a single adjective phrase, which is more common in formal writing.
Absolutely, though they might prefer 'de difícil resolução' in very formal documents.
Yes, it's a very respectful way to say that the problems in the relationship are too deep to fix quickly.
The opposite would be 'facilmente resolvido' (easily resolved) or 'simples de resolver'.
In this context, yes. It can also mean 'determined' (e.g., 'Ele é um homem resolvido'), but not in this collocation.
Yes, it's perfect for a math problem that takes three pages of calculations!
Yes, but it's much less common and sounds more technical/scientific than 'não facilmente resolvido'.
You can use 'um osso duro de roer' for an informal version, or 'não facilmente resolvido' for a professional one.
Related Phrases
osso duro de roer
similara hard bone to gnaw
insolúvel
contrastunsolvable
complexo
synonymcomplex
de difícil resolução
specialized formof difficult resolution
