Saying "whatever"

Question

In my lurking, I came across a brief discussion of how one can say "whatever"... with no final resolution. So, it got me to thinking: how do you say "whatever" in Spanish? Not the "whatever" meaning used in "whatever you say" or "whatever you want", etc. (something separate from dictionary definitions). I mean... uy, I don't know exactly how to explain so I'll write examples:

Ex. 1

Sister 1: If you touch my things while I'm gone, I'm going to hurt you!

Sister 2: Whatever! Fine, I don't care about your stupid stuff!

(lol)

Ex. 2

Lady: Jack said that he needs you to have those papers ready by 2:00.

Guy: Is he crazy?? You know what? Whatever, he's just going to have to wait.

Ex. 3

Dude 1: Hey, I was thinking about going to Westin Beach tomorrow...

Dude 2: Aw, duuuude, I have to babysit my little sister tomorrow.

Dude 1: Well, man, whatever. We can just go Friday. It's cool/fine.

Dude 2: Awesome.

---

Anyway, so those are some of the ways "whatever" can be used. Sort of like, "it doesn't matter", "I don't care", "who cares?", "okay", etc... I guess it can take on a lot, ha. So, is there a phrase in Spanish that is similar or that can cover these meanings (besides the translations of the previous phrases)?

P.s. If anyone can give an actual definition (or definitions) of the "whatever" I'm looking for, please share Thanks and sorry for the book.

I was hoping someone would take the bait in the other thread. :-) - webdunce, May 18, 2011

Yes, me too....but my nerves got to itchin', lol. Not to mention, I didn't know how long it would be before someone else (who knew) passed through that post, let alone the comments... - Goldie_Miel, May 18, 2011

The whatever you are referring to is the expression so popular with teenagers that expresses a casual nonchalence that almost seems to say ''I don't really care what you say.... it makes no difference to me... so go ahead !'' - FELIZ77, May 18, 2011

I have heard 'lo que sea' used in a podcast for 'whatever' used in this way :) - Kiwi-Girl, May 18, 2011

Thanks for sharing that, Kiwi Girl. I'll have to add that to the list ;0) - Goldie_Miel, May 20, 2011

Answer 1

Whatever! Fine, I don't care about your stupid stuff!

¡Vale! / ¡Como quieras! Total, me traen sin cuidado tus tonterías. ("Vale" probably only in Spain)

Guy: Is he crazy?? You know what? Whatever, he's just going to have to wait.

¿Está loco? ¿Sabes qué? Da igual; va a tener que esperarse.

Dude 1: Well, man, whatever. We can just go Friday. It's cool/fine.

Vale colega, pues nada. Ya iremos el viernes. Sin problema. (The "Vale colega" probably only in Spain)

I've been trying to explain "whatever" to my students without much success. Now I have something to work with - thanks Lazarus. - ian-hill, May 18, 2011

Wow, thanks. These will definitely come in handy :) - Goldie_Miel, May 18, 2011

Wait for other suggetions. It is not an easy word to translate, and the slang is not international. - lazarus1907, May 18, 2011

Answer 2

As to the English, there are at least two "whatevers" being discussed here.

One is usually said with a flippant attitude...this whatever means...

No way! (de ninguna manera / ni hablar)

I don't think so! (no lo creo)

In your dreams! (en tus seuños)

Not in this lifetime! (???)

Can I take your new Mercedes Benz for a test drive? Whatever!

¿Puedo probar tu nueva Mercedes Benz? ¡En tus sueños!

.

The other one is more like, "It doesn't matter" (no importa) or "okay" (está bien)...and is usually said with a flat tone (frequently, though not always, indicating you are accepting circumstances you can't control and which probably aren't like you had hoped but won't be life altering either).

Whatever, we can just go to the beach some other time.

Está bien / No importa, podemos ir a la playa en otra ocasión.

(This second one might be that "da igual" that Lazarus mentions, too)

Yes, thanks! You sum it up really well :o) - Goldie_Miel, May 18, 2011

There is another form that appears: the nonchalent or bored, ''Whatever'' ie whatever you do doesn't matter I'm not interested !) - FELIZ77, May 18, 2011

This is the Whatever expressed by the teeanger in response to the parent teling them they should be back home ny a certain time or must tidy their room ''Whatever'' , they say only half attentive - FELIZ77, May 18, 2011

Hi, Feliz. I think what your describing can also fall under the 2nd option Webdunce listed. Nonchalant > No importa. Teenage response to command > Okay/Está bien ("in flat tone"). No sé :0) It seemed similar to me - Goldie_Miel, May 18, 2011

Answer 3

There is a definition of hostility that says it is nothing more than a lack of friendliness. Whatever as it is used lately is nothing more than verbal hostility. I am sure some people don't see it that way, but many people regard it as rude. The tone of voice used to say it should be a big clue. Can whatever be said with a tone of voice that conveys any emotion but disdain?

Yes, Sabor. I agree at times it can come off as rude. However, there are times when it really is just like a filler or used jokingly. It really depends on how it's used and with whom it's used... at least in my opinion. - Goldie_Miel, May 18, 2011

Answer 4

I found this under a search for spanish expressions:

whatever it takes {Adverb}

sin importar lo que cueste; cueste lo que cueste;   

no importa lo que cueste; pese lo que pese; sin regatear medios;

Synonyms: however much it takes, at all cost,
at any price, at all costs, cost what it may, however much it costs, no matter how
much it costs, no matter how much it takes, whatever the cost

Thanks, Fox, although I was thinking more along the lines of the "no importa" or "está bien" kind of "whatever". Regardless, these are sure helpful to know :) - Goldie_Miel, May 18, 2011

Answer 5

I'll give you one, "que más da" (what difference does it make) . And another "Ni modo". (Whatcha gonna do)

BUT I will say that ¡Como quieras! is the best whatever literal translation. And Da igual is also great for "nevermind, whatever it doesn't matter to me"

Of course no me importa, no importa, sin importar, me importa en pepino (and various curse words instead of pepino, which is cucumber, if you want)

Thanks, Jeezzle - Goldie_Miel, May 18, 2011

Answer 6

Hi Goldie. Here is whatever in the dictionary. I don't know if this helps.whatever

Thanks, Sanlee. I checked out the definitions already but, they didn't quite have what I was looking for. - Goldie_Miel, May 18, 2011

"Sea lo que sea" appealed to me (because it seemed literal) but I think it would sound funny if I used it in Spanish the way I used "whatever" my examples. - Goldie_Miel, May 18, 2011

Answer 7

Do whatever you think is okay.

=

Whatever you think is the good thing to do then do it that way.

There is my input

hehe, thanks, Johanna. I was kind of looking for a definition that didn't contain the word being defined ;) Or perhaps, a Spanish equivalent. Sin embargo, gracias de nuevo. :0) - Goldie_Miel, May 18, 2011

I was hoping that someone would translate them for me :) - Destroyed99, May 19, 2011

Oh, ha. Ok, my fault. I misunderstood...thx! - Goldie_Miel, May 20, 2011

Answer 8

Just bumping for more input.