Translation guide
The English word "solution" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean a solution to a problem, a chemical solution, or a business solution.
Expressing a way to solve a difficulty, puzzle, or question.
We need to find a solution to this issue. · The solution to the puzzle is on page 10. · There's no easy solution.
The most common and general word for solving a problem or resolving an issue. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to solve'.
この問題の解決策を考えています。
I'm thinking of a solution to this problem.
問題はまだ解決していません。
The problem hasn't been solved yet.
Specifically refers to an answer to a question, puzzle, or test problem. Not used for solving real-life issues.
数学の問題の解答を教えてください。
Please tell me the solution to the math problem.
このパズルの解答は何ですか？
What's the solution to this puzzle?
General word for 'answer'. Can be used for solutions to questions or problems, but is less formal than 解答 and broader.
その問題の答えがわかった。
I found the solution to that problem.
A breakthrough solution or measure to break a deadlock. Used in formal or business contexts for difficult situations.
この難局を打開する策が必要だ。
We need a solution to break through this difficult situation.
Referring to a homogeneous mixture of substances, typically in a lab or medical context.
Prepare a saline solution. · The solution turned blue. · Add the solution drop by drop.
The standard scientific term for a chemical solution. Used in chemistry, biology, and medicine.
この溶液を試験管に入れてください。
Please put this solution into the test tube.
生理食塩水は塩化ナトリウムの溶液です。
Saline is a solution of sodium chloride.
A more general word for 'liquid' or 'fluid'. Can be used in compounds to refer to solutions, but is less precise than 溶液.
レンズを保存液に浸してください。
Soak the lens in the storage solution.
Describing a commercial offering designed to solve a customer's problem.
We offer a complete IT solution. · Our product is the perfect solution for small businesses. · They needed a custom solution.
A loanword from English, commonly used in IT and business contexts to mean a comprehensive solution or system.
当社はクラウドソリューションを提供しています。
Our company provides cloud solutions.
このソフトウェアは業務効率化のソリューションです。
This software is a solution for improving operational efficiency.
Can also be used in business contexts to mean a solution or measure, but is less trendy than ソリューション.
解決 (kaiketsu) is for resolving problems or issues. 解答 (kaitō) is for answering questions or puzzles. 答え (kotae) is a general 'answer' and can overlap with both, but is less formal.
Using 解答 for a solution to a social or personal problem sounds unnatural. Stick to 解決 or 解決策.
環境問題の解答 → 環境問題の解決策
solution to environmental problems
コスト削減の解決策を提案します。
I propose a solution for cost reduction.