Resolveu Ir: When Resolver Means Decide in Portuguese

Use resolver with a problem or pending matter

Resolver um problema means solve a problem. You can also resolver uma questão or resolver uma pendência: the object names a matter needing a result. This construction focuses on dealing with the issue. It does not automatically tell you what solution was chosen, how difficult it was or whether everyone was satisfied. Add that information instead of expecting the verb to carry it.

Use resolver plus infinitive for deciding to act

Resolver followed by an infinitive can report a decision: resolvi ficar, resolveu estudar, resolvemos esperar. The second verb names the chosen action. This use often moves a story forward from considering possibilities to choosing one. There need not be a technical problem involved. In a past account, context usually supplies whether the person also carried out the decision or only announced it.

Compare resolver with decidir

Decidir fazer and resolver fazer can overlap when someone makes up their mind to act. Decidir is a clear alternative if resolver feels confusing. Do not translate every resolver as decide, though: decidir um problema is not a general substitute for resolver um problema. Keep the complement attached to the verb, because the phrase, rather than a one-word equivalence, supports the meaning.

Use resolver que for a stated decision

Resolver que can introduce a whole decision as a clause: resolvemos que era melhor sair cedo. Unlike an infinitive, that clause has its own conjugated verb and can state a conclusion or arrangement. This helps when you want to report the content of a group decision. The construction is distinct from descobrir que, which says you found out information rather than decided on it.

Avoid assuming every decision solves the original issue

A group may decide to postpone a meeting without solving the disagreement behind it. You can make both facts explicit with resolvemos adiar, mas ainda precisamos resolver… . This is a useful real-life contrast because English decide and solve can coexist in the same account. Explain the chosen action first, then name any issue still pending instead of implying a complete solution.

Practice before opening the answers

These are original written practice activities. Try a reply first, then compare the suggested answer and explanation. Other answers can work when they keep the intended meaning.

1. Original practice: Translate I decided to start studying today.
   Suggested answer and explanation

   Resolvi começar a estudar hoje.

   An infinitive follows resolvi, so the phrase can report a decision to act. It does not mean you solved studying as a problem.

2. Original practice: A broken login problem is now fixed. Use resolver with a noun.
   Suggested answer and explanation

   Resolvi o problema de acesso.

   The object names the issue resolved. This is the problem-solving reading rather than resolver plus an action chosen.

3. Original practice: Your group decided it was better to wait. Use a full clause.
   Suggested answer and explanation

   Resolvemos que era melhor esperar.

   Que introduces the content of the decision with its own conjugated verb. Descobrimos would instead frame it as information learned.

4. Original practice: Say you decided to call tomorrow, but have not resolved the issue yet.
   Suggested answer and explanation

   Resolvi ligar amanhã, mas ainda não resolvi o problema.

   The first resolver selects an infinitive and reports a decision; the second selects a problem and reports its unresolved status.

Try it with your own example

Explain a decision you made and an issue you still need to solve. Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app.