Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| résoudre | /ʁe.zudʁ/ |
| régler | /ʁe.ɡle/ |
| solutionner | /sɔ.ly.sjɔ.ne/ |
The verb is used to find an answer or solution (verb).
Which one should you use?
Use résoudre when the focus is on finding the intellectual answer to a complex problem or mystery. Use régler when the focus is on settling a matter, such as a conflict or a payment, rather than solving a riddle.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The verb solutionner is often considered a way to 'solve' a problem, but it is frequently criticized by linguists as a clumsy neologism and is best avoided in formal writing. The verb dépanner is used in informal conversation to refer to solving technical or mechanical issues, especially in emergency situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present tense of résoudre is résout, and the past participle is résolu.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁe.zudʁ/
Did you know?
- Résoudre originates from the Latin resolvere, which combines the prefix for 'again' and the verb for 'loosen'.
- The verb régler can also mean 'to adjust' or 'tune' a piece of equipment, like a guitar or a thermostat.
- The word résolu is used not just for a solved problem, but to describe a person with a 'determined' or 'resolute' character.
Examples in context
- Je vais résoudre ça.I'll solve this.This sentence shows how to use résoudre to say you will solve something.Tatoeba #2576530 by sacredceltic, translation #8918323 by CK
- Je dois régler ce problème.I have to solve this problem.This sentence shows how to use régler to talk about solving a problem.Tatoeba #5301077 by Aiji, translation #1744994 by Amastan
- Nous pouvons résoudre ceci.We can solve this.This sentence shows how to use résoudre to express the ability to solve something.Tatoeba #7028889 by Aiji, translation #4502205 by CK
- Je vais résoudre ce problème mathématique complexe.I am going to solve this complex mathematical problem.
- Nous devons résoudre les conflits diplomatiques de manière pacifique.We must solve diplomatic conflicts peacefully.
- L'équipe d'experts a réussi à solutionner le problème technique.The team of experts managed to solve the technical problem.
- Tu as réglé le problème avec ton ami ?Did you solve the issue with your friend?
- Il faut régler cette situation rapidement.We need to solve this situation quickly.
- Mon frère m'a dépanné en réparant ma voiture.My brother solved my problem by fixing my car.
- 235 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are working together on a math assignment.
- NathanEmma, peux-tu m'aider à résoudre ce problème ?Emma, can you help me solve this problem?
- EmmaBien sûr, Nathan, on va le résoudre ensemble.Of course, Nathan, we will solve it together.
- NathanC'est difficile de résoudre ce système.It is difficult to solve this system.
- EmmaNe t'inquiète pas, on va y arriver.Don't worry, we will get there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “solve” translations and entries résoudre, régler, solutionner, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries régler, résoudre, solutionner, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
