In 15 Seconds
- Used when a problem is mostly fixed but not entirely finished.
- Perfect for status updates in both professional and personal life.
- Balances honesty about remaining issues with a positive progress report.
Meaning
This phrase describes a situation where you've fixed some of the problem, but there is still work left to do. It is the perfect 'glass half-full' way to say things aren't perfect yet.
Key Examples
3 of 6Updating a boss on a project
O problema com o servidor está parcialmente resolvido.
The server problem is partially solved.
Talking about a fight with a partner
Nossa discussão de ontem está parcialmente resolvida.
Our argument from yesterday is partially resolved.
Texting a friend about a broken car
O carro liga, então está parcialmente resolvido!
The car starts, so it's partially solved!
Cultural Background
In Brazilian corporate culture, saying something is 'parcialmente resolvido' is often a polite way to buy more time without admitting failure. Portuguese speakers tend to be more direct. If they say 'parcialmente resolvido', they usually mean exactly which parts are done and which are not. In Luanda, formal Portuguese is highly valued in business. Using 'parcialmente resolvido' shows a high level of education. Similar to Portugal, the formal register is used in official documents to describe infrastructure progress.
The 'But' Rule
Always follow this phrase with 'mas' (but) to explain what is still missing. It makes you sound very thorough.
Agreement Check
Before you say 'resolvido', quickly check if the noun was 'o' or 'a'. It's the #1 mistake for B1 learners.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when a problem is mostly fixed but not entirely finished.
- Perfect for status updates in both professional and personal life.
- Balances honesty about remaining issues with a positive progress report.
What It Means
Parcialmente resolvido is your go-to phrase for progress. It means you have tackled the main issues. However, some loose ends are still dangling. It is more than just 'started.' It means the solution is functional but incomplete. Think of it like a leaky faucet. You stopped the flood, but it still drips. That is parcialmente resolvido.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as an adjective for a situation. It usually follows the verb estar (to be). You can use it for technical bugs. You can use it for family arguments. It works for almost any task on your to-do list. Just remember to match the gender if the subject changes. If you are talking about a 'situation' (situação), use parcialmente resolvida.
When To Use It
Use it in the office when a project is moving. It sounds professional and honest. Use it with friends when explaining a complicated drama. It shows you are making an effort. It is great for customer service updates. It tells the client you haven't forgotten them. It is the ultimate 'work in progress' status update.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for binary outcomes. A light switch is either on or off. It is never parcialmente resolvido. Avoid it when someone expects a 100% finished result. If your boss wants the final report, this phrase might annoy them. It sounds like an excuse if used too often. Don't use it for wedding proposals either. That would be very awkward.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people value the 'jeitinho' or finding ways around problems. Often, a complete solution takes time due to bureaucracy. Saying something is parcialmente resolvido is a common social lubricant. It acknowledges the struggle while showing optimism. It reflects a culture that celebrates incremental progress. It is the linguistic version of a thumbs up while still sweating.
Common Variations
You might hear meio resolvido in very casual chats. In business, people might say em andamento (in progress). If you want to be fancy, try em fase de conclusão. But parcialmente resolvido hits the sweet spot. It is clear, direct, and universally understood. It bridges the gap between 'disaster' and 'success' perfectly.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very stable across all registers. The only major 'gotcha' is gender agreement with the noun it modifies.
The 'But' Rule
Always follow this phrase with 'mas' (but) to explain what is still missing. It makes you sound very thorough.
Agreement Check
Before you say 'resolvido', quickly check if the noun was 'o' or 'a'. It's the #1 mistake for B1 learners.
The 'Jeitinho'
If a Brazilian says this with a shrug, they might mean they fixed it with duct tape. Ask for clarification!
Examples
6O problema com o servidor está parcialmente resolvido.
The server problem is partially solved.
Shows you are working on it but need more time.
Nossa discussão de ontem está parcialmente resolvida.
Our argument from yesterday is partially resolved.
Implies you've talked but some feelings are still hurt.
O carro liga, então está parcialmente resolvido!
The car starts, so it's partially solved!
A humorous way to look at a bad situation.
Seu chamado consta como parcialmente resolvido no sistema.
Your ticket is listed as partially solved in the system.
Standard terminology for support desks.
A bagunça na sala está parcialmente resolvida.
The mess in the living room is partially resolved.
You probably just shoved things into a closet.
Paguei metade, então o débito está parcialmente resolvido.
I paid half, so the debt is partially resolved.
Logical use for financial matters.
Test Yourself
Complete com a forma correta de 'resolvido' (resolvido, resolvida, resolvidos, resolvidas).
As falhas no sistema foram parcialmente _________.
'Falhas' is feminine plural, so the participle must be 'resolvidas'.
Qual frase soa mais profissional em um relatório de trabalho?
Status do projeto:
This is the standard formal collocation for professional reports.
Associe a situação ao status correto.
Você consertou o pneu do carro, mas o motor ainda faz barulho.
Since one part is fixed but another isn't, 'parcialmente' is the correct modifier.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesAs falhas no sistema foram parcialmente _________.
'Falhas' is feminine plural, so the participle must be 'resolvidas'.
Status do projeto:
This is the standard formal collocation for professional reports.
Você consertou o pneu do carro, mas o motor ainda faz barulho.
Since one part is fixed but another isn't, 'parcialmente' is the correct modifier.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt's understandable but sounds informal. 'Parcialmente resolvido' is much better for writing.
No! Adverbs in Portuguese are invariable. Only 'resolvido' changes.
Yes, it is perfectly standard in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Totalmente resolvido or completamente resolvido.
Only if you are talking about a problem involving them. You can't say 'Eu estou parcialmente resolvido' to mean you are tired.
Related Phrases
em andamento
similarIn progress
resolvido por completo
contrastCompletely resolved
solução de contorno
specialized formWorkaround
meio caminho andado
similarHalfway there
