Example for 'cualesquiera

Question

I was reviewing some questions on cualquiera/cualquier when I noticed the plural form of cualesquiera.

Can someone give me examples of how to use in a sentence so I can cement this in my brain?

Here's my attempt:

Mis amigos no son simplemente un grupo de cualesquiera.

My friends aren't just a group of nobodies.

It doesn't sound right to me.

Answer 1

How about - Necesito varios carpinteros - cualesquiera que sean- para terminar este trabajo. (I need several carpenters - whomever they may be - to finish this job.)

"Cual/cualesquiera" is frequently paired with a subjunctive form since it implies a "whoever/whomever" feeling.

I hope this has helped.

Thank you mountaingirl. The info on pairing it with the subjunctive is very helpful. - lkelly, Sep 12, 2010

Answer 2

No, that example you provided about "nobodies" wouldn't work. In spanish we use "cualesquiera" in a different context, such as:

"no aceptaremos la sanción, cualesquiera que sean las razones que argumenten"

It isn't a very frequent word, and mostly used in this kind of phrases where you talk about hypothetical situations.

Great example and very helpful info. In Spanish, how would you say 'nobodies'? - lkelly, Sep 12, 2010

In Spain we say "ser un don nadie", could be translated as "being mr. nobody" - bill1111, Sep 13, 2010

i.e. mi primo es un empresario de éxito, no es un don nadie. - bill1111, Sep 13, 2010