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A2 verb #2,500 most common 9 min read

resolver

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips resolver in 30 Seconds
Explanation resolver in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'resolver' is introduced as a basic action verb meaning 'to solve' or 'to fix'. Beginners learn this word in the context of simple daily problems. For example, if a student has a problem with their homework, the teacher might say 'Vamos resolver isso' (Let's solve this). It is taught alongside other high-frequency verbs like fazer, comer, and falar. The focus is on the present tense conjugation: eu resolvo, você resolve, nós resolvemos, eles resolvem. Learners are encouraged to use it in simple, direct sentences. 'Eu resolvo o problema' (I solve the problem). It is also introduced as a way to express a decision, though 'decidir' is often taught first. A common A1 phrase is 'preciso resolver', meaning 'I need to solve/sort out'. Understanding 'resolver' at this stage helps learners navigate basic interactions, such as asking for help when something is wrong ('Pode me ajudar a resolver?'). The vocabulary surrounding it usually includes words like 'problema' (problem), 'fácil' (easy), and 'difícil' (hard). By mastering 'resolver' early on, A1 students build a foundation for expressing agency and problem-solving in their new language, which is highly motivating and practical for real-world survival scenarios.
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At the A2 level, the usage of 'resolver' expands significantly. Learners begin to use it in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito: eu resolvi, você resolveu) and the future with 'ir' (vou resolver). The dual meaning of 'to solve' and 'to decide' becomes much clearer and is practiced more frequently. For instance, an A2 student can comfortably say 'Eu resolvi estudar português' (I decided to study Portuguese) or 'Ontem, eu resolvi um grande problema' (Yesterday, I solved a big problem). The reflexive form 'resolver-se' is introduced in basic contexts, such as 'Tudo vai se resolver' (Everything will work out/resolve itself). Learners also start pairing 'resolver' with more complex vocabulary, moving beyond simple 'problemas' to 'situações' (situations), 'dúvidas' (doubts), and 'conflitos' (conflicts). In A2, 'resolver' becomes a key tool for narrating past events and future plans, allowing for more dynamic storytelling. The distinction between 'resolver' (abstract problems) and 'consertar' (physical repairs) is emphasized to prevent common beginner mistakes. Overall, 'resolver' at the A2 level empowers learners to describe their actions and decisions with greater accuracy and confidence.
At the B1 level, 'resolver' is utilized with greater nuance and grammatical complexity. Learners are expected to use it seamlessly across various tenses, including the Imperfeito (eu resolvia) and the Futuro do Presente (eu resolverei). The subjunctive mood is introduced, and 'resolver' frequently appears in these structures: 'Espero que você resolva isso' (I hope you solve this) or 'Se eu resolvesse o problema...' (If I solved the problem...). The vocabulary associated with 'resolver' becomes more abstract and professional. B1 students discuss resolving 'questões' (issues), 'crises' (crises), and 'dilemas' (dilemmas). They also learn idiomatic expressions and collocations, such as 'resolver a vida' (to sort one's life out) or 'resolver por conta própria' (to solve on one's own). The passive voice is practiced: 'O problema foi resolvido'. At this intermediate stage, 'resolver' is crucial for expressing opinions, giving advice ('Você deveria resolver isso logo'), and participating in discussions about hypothetical situations. The ability to use 'resolver' accurately in the subjunctive marks a significant step towards fluency, demonstrating a deeper understanding of Portuguese syntax and emotional expression.
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At the B2 level, learners have a strong command of 'resolver' and use it to express complex ideas and subtle nuances. They are comfortable with all verb tenses and moods, including the compound tenses (e.g., 'Eu já tinha resolvido' - I had already solved). The focus shifts to register and stylistic choices. B2 students know when to use 'resolver' versus its more formal synonym 'solucionar'. They can navigate professional and academic contexts, discussing how to 'resolver impasses' (resolve deadlocks) or 'resolver equações complexas' (solve complex equations). The reflexive usage is mastered, allowing for sophisticated expressions of internal conflict or spontaneous resolution ('A situação resolveu-se por si mesma'). Furthermore, B2 learners understand the nominalizations derived from the verb, such as 'resolução' (resolution) and 'resoluto' (resolute), and can incorporate them into their vocabulary. They can debate societal issues, proposing ways to 'resolver a desigualdade' (solve inequality) or 'resolver as mudanças climáticas' (solve climate change). At this level, 'resolver' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile tool for advanced communication, argumentation, and critical thinking in Portuguese.
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At the C1 level, the use of 'resolver' is near-native. Learners deploy the verb effortlessly in highly abstract, idiomatic, and literary contexts. They are adept at using it in complex sentence structures, such as cleft sentences or inversions for emphasis ('Foi ele quem resolveu a questão'). C1 students understand the subtle pragmatic implications of the word. For example, they know that saying 'Vou resolver você' can sound like a threat (I'll deal with you), demonstrating a deep cultural and contextual awareness. They engage with advanced texts where 'resolver' might be used in legal or technical jargon, such as 'resolver um contrato' (to terminate a contract due to breach). The vocabulary is rich and varied, with learners using phrases like 'resolver pendências' (to resolve pending matters) or 'resolver litígios' (to resolve disputes). At this advanced stage, learners can play with the language, using 'resolver' ironically or metaphorically. Their mastery of the verb reflects a comprehensive understanding of Portuguese grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances, allowing them to communicate with precision, eloquence, and sophistication in any situation.
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At the C2 level, mastery of 'resolver' is absolute, reflecting the proficiency of an educated native speaker. The verb is used with complete spontaneity and precision across all conceivable contexts, from casual slang to the most elevated academic or literary discourse. C2 users can intuitively grasp and employ the most obscure or archaic uses of the word if encountered in classical literature. They seamlessly integrate 'resolver' into complex rhetorical structures, using it to persuade, negotiate, or analyze at the highest level. They are fully aware of the etymological roots and how they influence the word's modern applications. At this level, the focus is on the aesthetic and stylistic deployment of the language. A C2 speaker might choose 'resolver' over a synonym not just for meaning, but for rhythm, tone, or alliteration within a sentence. They can effortlessly navigate the subtleties of 'resolver-se a' (to make up one's mind to) versus 'decidir-se por', understanding the minute psychological differences each conveys. Ultimately, for a C2 learner, 'resolver' is a fully integrated component of their linguistic repertoire, used with the same unconscious competence as a native speaker.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

resolver in 30 Seconds

  • Used to express finding a solution to a problem or difficulty.
  • Commonly used to indicate making a firm decision (followed by an infinitive).
  • Can be used reflexively (resolver-se) to mean making up one's mind.
  • A regular -er verb in the present tense, with a regular past participle (resolvido).

The Portuguese verb 'resolver' is a highly versatile and essential word that primarily translates to 'to solve', 'to resolve', or 'to decide'. It is used in a wide variety of contexts, from mathematical problems to interpersonal conflicts and personal decisions. Understanding 'resolver' is crucial for achieving fluency, as it bridges the gap between identifying an issue and taking action to fix it. In everyday conversation, you will frequently hear phrases like 'Vou resolver isso' (I will solve this) or 'Temos que resolver o problema' (We have to solve the problem). The word carries a sense of finality and competence. When you 'resolve' something in Portuguese, you are bringing it to a conclusion. This verb belongs to the second conjugation (-er verbs) and follows regular conjugation patterns in most tenses, though it has an irregular past participle in some derived forms, its main past participle 'resolvido' is regular. Let us explore its nuances through various examples and structural breakdowns. The concept of solving is universal, but the application of 'resolver' extends beyond mere puzzle-solving. It encompasses making up one's mind, settling disputes, and clearing up misunderstandings. Furthermore, 'resolver-se' (reflexive) can mean to make a decision or to clear up on its own, as in 'O tempo vai se resolver' (The weather will clear up). To truly master this word, one must practice its application in different scenarios, paying close attention to the prepositions it pairs with and the context in which it is deployed. The ability to use 'resolver' accurately will significantly enhance your communicative competence in Portuguese, allowing you to express problem-solving intentions clearly and effectively.

Primary Meaning
To find a solution to a problem or difficulty.
Secondary Meaning
To make a firm decision about something.
Reflexive Usage
To make up one's mind (resolver-se).

Eu preciso resolver este problema de matemática hoje.

Eles conseguiram resolver a disputa pacificamente.

Ela decidiu resolver a situação sozinha.

Nós vamos resolver o contrato amanhã.

O técnico veio resolver o defeito da internet.

Using 'resolver' correctly involves understanding its syntactic behavior. As a transitive verb, it requires a direct object: you solve *something*. For example, 'resolver um mistério' (to solve a mystery) or 'resolver uma equação' (to solve an equation). When used to mean 'to decide', it is often followed by an infinitive verb: 'Resolvi viajar' (I decided to travel). This structure is incredibly common in spoken Portuguese and serves as a dynamic alternative to 'decidir'. Additionally, the reflexive form 'resolver-se' is used when the subject makes a decision for themselves ('Ele não se resolve' - He can't make up his mind) or when a situation resolves itself ('O problema se resolveu' - The problem resolved itself). It is also important to note the passive voice usage: 'O caso foi resolvido pela polícia' (The case was solved by the police). In professional and formal contexts, 'resolver' is a power word. It denotes action, capability, and leadership. Managers want employees who can 'resolver problemas'. In customer service, the ultimate goal is to 'resolver a reclamação do cliente'. Therefore, mastering the conjugation and contextual application of this verb is a high priority for learners aiming for B1 and above. Pay attention to the prepositions: you can 'resolver algo com alguém' (resolve something with someone) or 'resolver algo por alguém' (resolve something for someone). The flexibility of 'resolver' makes it a cornerstone of effective communication in Portuguese, enabling speakers to navigate daily challenges and articulate solutions with clarity and confidence.

Direct Object
Resolver + noun (e.g., resolver a crise).
With Infinitive
Resolver + infinitive (e.g., resolver sair).
Reflexive
Resolver-se (e.g., a situação se resolveu).

O gerente vai resolver a reclamação do cliente.

Resolvi estudar mais para o exame.

Tudo vai se resolver no final.

Eles precisam resolver suas diferenças.

Quem pode resolver este quebra-cabeça?

You will encounter the verb 'resolver' in virtually every aspect of life in Portuguese-speaking countries. In the workplace, it is a daily staple. Meetings often revolve around 'como resolver' (how to solve) various issues, from logistical nightmares to budget deficits. In IT and technical support, 'resolver um bug' or 'resolver um erro' are standard phrases. At home, parents might tell their children to 'resolver a bagunça' (sort out the mess) or partners might need to 'resolver as contas' (sort out the bills). In the news, politicians are constantly promising to 'resolver a crise' (solve the crisis) or 'resolver o problema da segurança' (solve the security problem). It is a word that permeates both formal and informal registers. In casual conversation with friends, you might hear 'Deixa que eu resolvo' (Let me handle it/I'll sort it out), which is a very common and natural way to offer help or take charge of a situation. You will also hear it in legal contexts, such as 'resolver um contrato' (to terminate/resolve a contract), though this is a more specialized usage. Furthermore, in literature and storytelling, characters are often faced with dilemmas they must 'resolver'. The ubiquity of 'resolver' makes it one of the most high-frequency verbs in the Portuguese language. Whether you are watching a Brazilian telenovela, reading a Portuguese newspaper, or chatting with a local in a café, 'resolver' will inevitably pop up, usually signaling a transition from a state of uncertainty or conflict to one of resolution and clarity.

Workplace
Used for fixing bugs, handling clients, and managing projects.
Daily Life
Used for paying bills, fixing household items, and making plans.
Politics/News
Used for addressing national crises and public issues.

Deixa que eu resolvo a conta do restaurante.

O governo prometeu resolver a falta de água.

Temos que resolver o roteiro da viagem.

O suporte técnico conseguiu resolver meu acesso.

Eles não conseguem resolver de quem é a culpa.

Learners of Portuguese often make a few predictable mistakes when using 'resolver'. One of the most common is confusing it with 'solucionar'. While they are synonyms and often interchangeable, 'resolver' is much more common in everyday speech and has the added meaning of 'to decide', which 'solucionar' lacks. You can say 'Resolvi ficar em casa' (I decided to stay home), but you cannot say 'Solucionei ficar em casa'. Another frequent error involves prepositions. English speakers might try to translate 'solve for X' literally, but in Portuguese, you simply 'resolver X' (resolver a equação para encontrar X). Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the reflexive form. They might say 'Eu resolvo' when they mean 'Eu me resolvo' (I'll figure it out for myself/I'll make up my mind). The placement of the reflexive pronoun can also be tricky, especially in Brazilian Portuguese where proclisis (pronoun before the verb) is common in spoken language ('Eu me resolvo'), whereas European Portuguese might favor enclisis ('Resolvo-me'). Another pitfall is the past participle. While 'resolvido' is the standard and correct past participle (e.g., 'O problema foi resolvido'), learners sometimes mistakenly try to invent irregular forms based on other verbs. Finally, a subtle mistake is using 'resolver' when 'consertar' (to repair/fix) is more appropriate. You 'consertar' a broken car engine, but you 'resolver' the problem of not having a car. Understanding these nuances will help you use 'resolver' more accurately and sound more natural to native speakers.

Resolver vs Solucionar
Resolver also means to decide; solucionar only means to solve.
Resolver vs Consertar
Consertar is for physical repairs; resolver is for abstract problems.
Reflexive Misuse
Forgetting the 'se' when talking about making up one's mind.

Incorreto: Eu solucionei ir ao cinema. Correto: Eu resolvi ir ao cinema.

Incorreto: Vou resolver o carro quebrado. Correto: Vou consertar o carro quebrado.

Incorreto: Ele não resolve. (Meaning: He can't decide). Correto: Ele não se resolve.

O problema já está resolvido (not resolto).

Nós vamos resolver isso amanhã sem falta.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to know words related to 'resolver'. The most direct synonym is 'solucionar' (to solve), which is slightly more formal and is often used in academic or technical contexts. 'Decidir' (to decide) is synonymous with 'resolver' when it pertains to making a choice. 'Determinar' (to determine) can also overlap in meaning, especially in legal or scientific contexts. If you are talking about clearing up a misunderstanding, 'esclarecer' (to clarify) is a great alternative. In a more informal setting, 'dar um jeito' (to find a way/fix) is an extremely common Brazilian Portuguese expression that captures the essence of 'resolver' perfectly. For example, 'Vou dar um jeito nisso' means 'I will resolve this'. Another related concept is 'desvendar' (to unravel/uncover), used for mysteries or secrets. Conversely, antonyms include 'complicar' (to complicate), 'piorar' (to worsen), and 'agravar' (to aggravate). Understanding this web of related vocabulary allows you to express yourself with greater precision. Instead of always using 'resolver', you can choose 'solucionar' for a math problem, 'decidir' for a life choice, and 'dar um jeito' when improvising a solution. This lexical flexibility is a hallmark of advanced language proficiency and will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and sophisticated.

Solucionar
Formal synonym for solving a problem.
Decidir
Synonym for making a choice or decision.
Dar um jeito
Informal expression meaning to find a workaround or solution.

O detetive conseguiu desvendar o crime.

Não se preocupe, eu vou dar um jeito na situação.

O juiz vai determinar a sentença amanhã.

Precisamos esclarecer este mal-entendido.

Sua atitude só vai complicar as coisas.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Conjugation of regular -er verbs in the present tense.

Use of the preterite vs imperfect for past actions.

Placement of reflexive pronouns (proclisis vs enclisis).

Infinitive usage after verbs of decision.

Passive voice construction (ser + past participle).

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Examples by Level

1

Eu preciso resolver o problema.

I need to solve the problem.

Present tense, infinitive usage after 'preciso'.

2

Você pode resolver isso?

Can you solve this?

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive 'resolver'.

3

Nós resolvemos a lição.

We solve the lesson.

Present tense, first person plural.

4

Ele resolve tudo rápido.

He solves everything fast.

Present tense, third person singular.

5

Vamos resolver agora.

Let's solve it now.

'Vamos' + infinitive for future/suggestion.

6

A mãe resolve a briga.

The mother resolves the fight.

Present tense, third person singular.

7

Eu não sei resolver.

I don't know how to solve it.

Negative sentence with 'saber' + infinitive.

8

Eles resolvem o jogo.

They resolve the game.

Present tense, third person plural.

1

Ontem, eu resolvi o problema.

Yesterday, I solved the problem.

Pretérito perfeito (simple past), first person.

2

Ela resolveu viajar para o Brasil.

She decided to travel to Brazil.

'Resolver' meaning 'to decide' + infinitive.

3

Nós vamos resolver essa situação amanhã.

We are going to resolve this situation tomorrow.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

4

O técnico resolveu o defeito da TV.

The technician fixed the TV defect.

Pretérito perfeito, third person singular.

5

Como você resolveu isso?

How did you solve this?

Question in the past tense.

6

Eles não resolveram nada ainda.

They haven't resolved anything yet.

Negative past tense with 'ainda' (yet).

7

Eu sempre resolvo meus problemas sozinho.

I always solve my problems alone.

Present tense with adverb of frequency.

8

Tudo se resolveu no final.

Everything resolved itself in the end.

Reflexive use in the past tense.

1

Espero que você resolva esse mal-entendido.

I hope you resolve this misunderstanding.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

2

Se eu resolvesse isso, ficaria feliz.

If I solved this, I would be happy.

Imperfect subjunctive in a conditional clause.

3

O caso foi resolvido pela polícia rapidamente.

The case was solved by the police quickly.

Passive voice with past participle 'resolvido'.

4

Ela estava tentando resolver a equação quando eu cheguei.

She was trying to solve the equation when I arrived.

Past continuous (estava tentando) + infinitive.

5

Nós já tínhamos resolvido a questão antes da reunião.

We had already resolved the issue before the meeting.

Pluperfect (tínhamos resolvido).

6

Resolva seus próprios problemas!

Solve your own problems!

Imperative affirmative.

7

Eles acabaram de resolver o conflito.

They have just resolved the conflict.

'Acabar de' + infinitive for recent past.

8

É importante resolver as pendências financeiras.

It is important to resolve financial pending matters.

Impersonal expression 'É importante' + infinitive.

1

Embora seja difícil, precisamos resolver este impasse.

Although it is difficult, we need to resolve this deadlock.

Concessive clause with subjunctive, followed by infinitive.

2

A diretoria resolveu adotar novas medidas de segurança.

The board decided to adopt new security measures.

Formal use of 'resolver' meaning 'to decide'.

3

Caso o problema não se resolva, chamaremos um especialista.

In case the problem doesn't resolve itself, we will call a specialist.

Future subjunctive with reflexive pronoun.

4

Ele se vangloria de ter resolvido a crise sozinho.

He boasts about having solved the crisis alone.

Compound infinitive (ter resolvido).

5

A situação ter-se-ia resolvido se houvesse diálogo.

The situation would have resolved itself if there had been dialogue.

Conditional compound tense with mesoclisis (European PT style).

6

Não saia até que tudo esteja resolvido.

Don't leave until everything is resolved.

Subjunctive after 'até que'.

7

O engenheiro foi contratado para resolver falhas estruturais.

The engineer was hired to resolve structural flaws.

Infinitive expressing purpose.

8

Resolvido o problema, todos foram para casa.

The problem having been solved, everyone went home.

Absolute participle clause.

1

A complexidade do litígio exigiu que o juiz resolvesse a questão com cautela.

The complexity of the dispute required the judge to resolve the issue with caution.

Imperfect subjunctive in a formal legal context.

2

É imperativo que as nações resolvam suas divergências diplomaticamente.

It is imperative that nations resolve their differences diplomatically.

Present subjunctive in a high-register impersonal construction.

3

O contrato foi resolvido por inadimplência de uma das partes.

The contract was terminated due to default by one of the parties.

Legal jargon: 'resolver' meaning to terminate/annul.

4

Por mais que tentassem, a charada permanecia por resolver.

As much as they tried, the riddle remained unsolved.

'Por' + infinitive indicating an uncompleted action.

5

Ele é o tipo de profissional resolutivo que as empresas buscam.

He is the kind of problem-solving professional that companies seek.

Use of the derived adjective 'resolutivo'.

6

A trama do romance resolve-se de maneira brilhante no último capítulo.

The plot of the novel resolves itself brilliantly in the last chapter.

Reflexive use in literary analysis.

7

Haja o que houver, resolveremos esta pendência impreterivelmente amanhã.

Come what may, we will resolve this pending issue without fail tomorrow.

Advanced vocabulary (impreterivelmente) with future tense.

8

Tendo resolvido a equação principal, o resto do teorema fluiu naturalmente.

Having solved the main equation, the rest of the theorem flowed naturally.

Gerund compound form (tendo resolvido).

1

A querela, outrora considerada insolúvel, resolveu-se mediante concessões mútuas.

The dispute, once considered insoluble, was resolved through mutual concessions.

Highly formal vocabulary and reflexive passive.

2

Não obstante os reveses, o estadista resolveu-se a prosseguir com as reformas.

Notwithstanding the setbacks, the statesman made up his mind to proceed with the reforms.

'Resolver-se a' (to make a firm decision) in an elevated register.

3

A dissonância cognitiva resolve-se frequentemente através de racionalizações falaciosas.

Cognitive dissonance is frequently resolved through fallacious rationalizations.

Academic/psychological context.

4

Destarte, resolve o magistrado julgar procedente o pedido do autor.

Thus, the magistrate decides to rule in favor of the plaintiff's request.

Legal formulaic language (resolvo julgar).

5

A melodia, após uma série de tensões harmônicas, resolve na tônica.

The melody, after a series of harmonic tensions, resolves to the tonic.

Music theory context: 'resolver' as a technical term.

6

A substância resolve-se em seus componentes básicos quando submetida a altas temperaturas.

The substance resolves (breaks down) into its basic components when subjected to high temperatures.

Scientific context: 'resolver' meaning to separate/dissolve.

7

É mister que se resolvam as mazelas sociais antes de almejar o progresso econômico.

It is necessary that social ills be resolved before aiming for economic progress.

Archaic/formal 'É mister' with passive reflexive subjunctive.

8

Ele agiu com uma resolução inabalável, resolvendo o imbróglio num piscar de olhos.

He acted with unwavering resolution, solving the imbroglio in the blink of an eye.

Stylistic repetition of the root word (resolução/resolvendo).

Synonyms

solucionar decidir determinar esclarecer desvendar sanar remediar despachar

Antonyms

complicar piorar agravar confundir

Common Collocations

resolver um problema
resolver a situação
resolver o caso
resolver a questão
resolver o conflito
resolver a crise
resolver o mistério
resolver a equação
resolver pendências
resolver o contrato

Common Phrases

Vou resolver isso.
Deixa que eu resolvo.
Tudo vai se resolver.
Preciso resolver minha vida.
Resolvi não ir.
Problema resolvido.
Como vamos resolver?
Ele não se resolve.
Resolva logo!
Está resolvido.

Often Confused With

resolver vs solucionar

resolver vs decidir

resolver vs consertar

Idioms & Expressions

"dar um jeito"
"desatar o nó"
"matar a charada"
"colocar os pingos nos is"
"limpar a barra"
"tirar a limpo"
"passar a régua"
"bater o martelo"
"cortar o mal pela raiz"
"encontrar a saída"

Easily Confused

resolver vs

resolver vs

resolver vs

resolver vs

resolver vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

note

While 'resolver' is generally regular, be aware of its derivatives. Also, in legal Portuguese, 'resolver' has a specific meaning of terminating a contract.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'resolver' instead of 'consertar' for physical repairs (e.g., resolver o carro).
  • Forgetting the reflexive pronoun when meaning 'to make up one's mind' (e.g., Ele não resolve).
  • Adding unnecessary prepositions (e.g., resolver ao problema).
  • Using the archaic past participle 'resolto' instead of 'resolvido'.
  • Confusing the legal meaning (to terminate) with the general meaning (to solve) in formal texts.

Tips

Direct Object

Always use 'resolver' with a direct object when solving something. Do not add 'de' or 'para' after the verb. Say 'resolver o problema', not 'resolver ao problema'. This is a common mistake for English speakers. Keep it simple and direct.

Deciding

When you want to say 'I decided to...', 'Eu resolvi...' is often more natural in spoken Portuguese than 'Eu decidi...'. It sounds decisive and action-oriented. Try using it next time you talk about your weekend plans. 'Resolvi ficar em casa'.

Consertar vs Resolver

Remember the difference between fixing an object and fixing a situation. Use 'consertar' for physical things like a broken phone. Use 'resolver' for the situation of not having a working phone. This distinction makes you sound much more fluent.

Dar um jeito

If you want to sound like a native Brazilian, use 'dar um jeito' instead of 'resolver' in informal situations. It means to find a creative solution. 'Não se preocupe, eu dou um jeito' is a classic Brazilian phrase. It embodies the culture of resourcefulness.

The Letter R

In Brazilian Portuguese, the final 'r' in 'resolver' is often dropped or pronounced very softly in casual speech, sounding like 'resolvê'. However, in formal speech or European Portuguese, it is pronounced clearly. Practice both depending on your target dialect.

Making up your mind

If someone is hesitating, you can tell them 'Se resolva!' (Make up your mind!). The reflexive form is crucial for expressing internal decisions. Practice conjugating it: eu me resolvo, você se resolve, nós nos resolvemos.

Resolutivo

In a job interview, describe yourself as 'resolutivo' (problem-solving). It is a strong power word in the corporate world. Employers look for people who 'resolvem problemas' rather than just identifying them. It shows leadership and initiative.

Resolver pendências

A great phrase to learn is 'resolver pendências' (to tie up loose ends / resolve pending matters). It is very useful for Friday afternoons at work or when running errands. 'Vou ao centro resolver umas pendências'.

Espero que resolva

Practice 'resolver' with the present subjunctive. 'Espero que você resolva' (I hope you solve it). This is a very common structure when expressing wishes or hopes about someone else's problems. It elevates your grammar level instantly.

Resolvido

The past participle is 'resolvido'. Use it with 'estar' to describe a finished state: 'O problema está resolvido' (The problem is solved). It is a very satisfying phrase to use when you finally finish a difficult task.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of RE-SOLVE. You are solving it again or completely.

Word Origin

From Latin 'resolvere', meaning to untie, unfasten, or loosen.

Cultural Context

'Dar um jeito' is often used as a colloquial equivalent to 'resolver'.

'Resolver' is used similarly, but the pronunciation of the 'r' and 's' differs slightly.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Qual foi o maior problema que você já resolveu?"

"Como você costuma resolver conflitos com amigos?"

"Você acha que a tecnologia resolve mais problemas do que cria?"

"O que você resolveu fazer no próximo fim de semana?"

"Quem resolve os problemas técnicos na sua casa?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma situação difícil que você conseguiu resolver recentemente.

Quais são os problemas no mundo que você gostaria de resolver?

Descreva um momento em que você demorou muito para se resolver sobre algo.

Como você se sente quando não consegue resolver um problema?

Faça uma lista de pendências que você precisa resolver esta semana.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both mean to solve. 'Resolver' is more common in daily use and also means 'to decide'. 'Solucionar' is strictly for solving and is slightly more formal. You can 'resolver' to go to the beach, but you cannot 'solucionar' to go to the beach. Use 'solucionar' for complex, technical problems. Use 'resolver' for everything else.

Yes, but in a general sense. If a car is broken, you 'consertar' (repair) the car. But you can 'resolver' the problem of the broken car (e.g., by calling a mechanic). 'Resolver' focuses on the situation, while 'consertar' focuses on the physical object. However, in casual speech, people might say 'vou resolver o computador' meaning they will get it fixed.

Use 'resolver-se' when a person makes up their mind or a situation clears up on its own. For example, 'Ele precisa se resolver' (He needs to make up his mind). Or, 'O problema se resolveu' (The problem resolved itself). It adds a layer of internal decision or automatic resolution. Remember to use the correct reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos).

The correct and standard past participle is 'resolvido'. For example, 'O caso está resolvido'. 'Resolto' is an archaic or highly literary form that is almost never used in modern Portuguese. Stick to 'resolvido' in all your communications. It functions as a regular past participle for this verb.

When meaning 'to solve', it is a transitive direct verb and does not require a preposition (resolver o problema). When meaning 'to decide', it is followed directly by an infinitive (resolver sair). However, in some reflexive constructions, it can take 'a' (resolver-se a fazer algo), meaning to make a firm resolution to do something.

There isn't a single direct noun translation that is as common as in English. You can use the adjective 'resolutivo' (e.g., 'Ele é muito resolutivo'). Alternatively, you can describe the person: 'alguém que resolve problemas' or 'um solucionador de problemas'. In business, 'resolutivo' is the preferred term.

It is an idiomatic expression meaning to sort out one's life, usually referring to achieving financial stability, getting married, or settling into a career. If someone says 'Ele já resolveu a vida', it means he is settled and successful. It can also mean to figure out a major life decision.

Absolutely. 'Resolver um problema de matemática' or 'resolver uma equação' are the standard ways to say 'solve a math problem' or 'solve an equation' in Portuguese. 'Solucionar' can also be used here, but 'resolver' is perfectly correct and very common in schools.

Yes, but with a specific meaning. In law, 'resolver um contrato' means to terminate or annul a contract, usually because one party failed to fulfill their obligations. This is known as 'resolução contratual'. It is a false friend if you think it means 'to fix the contract'.

It is a regular -er verb. Eu resolvo, tu resolves, ele/ela/você resolve, nós resolvemos, vós resolveis, eles/elas/vocês resolvem. The stress falls on the penultimate syllable (re-SOL-vo, re-SOL-ve), except for 'nós' and 'vós' where it falls on the ending (re-sol-VE-mos).

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