Together, 解决 (jiějué) means “to resolve” or “to solve,” and 问题 (wèntí) means “problem” or “question.” The phrase literally and directly translates to “solve the problem.”
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on pragmatism and achieving tangible results. The phrase 解决问题 perfectly captures this mindset. It's not just about discussing a problem or brainstorming abstractly; it's about taking concrete steps to make the problem go away. A useful comparison is with the Western concept of “troubleshooting” or “workshopping an issue.” While these English terms often focus on the *process* of investigation and discussion, 解决问题 is heavily weighted towards the *outcome*. In a business meeting, when a leader says, “我们需要解决这个问题 (Wǒmen xūyào jiějué zhège wèntí),” the expectation is not just for a discussion, but for a viable plan of action that leads to a definitive solution. This reflects a cultural value where functionality and effectiveness are highly prized. The best solution is the one that works and eliminates the obstacle, allowing progress to continue. This is in contrast to a culture that might place a higher value on innovative but impractical ideas. In China, whether in family matters or national policy, the ability to 解决问题 is seen as a primary measure of competence and reliability.
This phrase is incredibly versatile and used across all levels of formality.
The connotation is almost always neutral to positive, as it focuses on a constructive action.