解决
jiějué
In Mandarin, the English verb 'resolve' is expressed as 解决 (jiějué).
The verb 解决 is used to mean finding a solution or settling a problem. It is typically used in combination with abstract nouns such as problems (问题), conflicts (矛盾) or difficulties (困难).
Meaning: to find a solution to (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 解决 literally implies the untying of a knot to settle a matter. It is composed of 结 (jié), meaning to tie or knot and 解 (jiě), meaning to untie or loosen.
Which one should you use?
While 解决 focuses on resolving or solving, the term 处理 can be used to convey the idea of resolving an issue through proper management. For a more casual sense of 'getting things done,' you can use the colloquial phrase 搞定.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that a problem or conflict has been successfully resolved, you can add the particle 了 after the verb to form 解决了.
How do you pronounce it?
jiějué
When do people say it?
To describe resolving differences harmoniously, you can use the idiom 化干戈为玉帛.
Did you know?
- While 解决 usually means to solve a problem, it can be used in sinister slang to mean 'eliminating' or 'taking care of' a person permanently.
- The idiom 化干戈为玉帛, used for resolving conflicts, literally means 'turning weapons into jade and silk'. It reflects a cultural ideal of transforming raw aggression into precious, peaceful luxury.
- The character 解 in 解决 is also the primary word for 'explaining' or 'interpreting' a text. This suggests that in the Chinese mindset, solving a problem is conceptually similar to unpacking or decoding a mystery.
Examples in context
- 我希望他们能和平地解决。I hope they can resolve it amicably.This sentence shows how to use 解决 in the context of resolving a situation amicably.Tatoeba #8775779 by crescat, translation #13732593 by AlanF_US
- 我们需要解决这个问题We need to resolve this issue.
- 经理处理了那个纠纷The manager resolved that dispute.
- 问题终于解决了The problem is finally resolved.
- 我帮你搞定了I've resolved it for you.
- 他很擅长解决问题He is good at solving problems.
- 他们还没有解决这个争议。They haven't resolved this dispute yet.
- 我们要尽快解决这个问题。Wǒmen yào jǐnkuài jiějué zhège wèntí.We need to resolve this problem as soon as possible.
- 经理正在解决客户的投诉。Jīnglǐ zhèngzài jiějué kèhù de tóusù.The manager is resolving the customer's complaint.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a technical issue at work.
- 欣怡 Xinyi志强，那个系统错误解决了吗？Zhìqiáng, nàge xìtǒng cuòwù jiějué le ma?Zhiqiang, has that system error been resolved?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我还在努力解决。Wǒ hái zài nǔlì jiějué.I am still working to resolve it.
- 欣怡 Xinyi如果需要帮助，请告诉我。Rúguǒ xūyào bāngzhù, qǐng gàosù wǒ.If you need help, please tell me.
- 志强 Zhiqiang好的，谢谢欣怡。Hǎo de, xièxiè Xīnyí.Okay, thanks Xinyi.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
