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"Como sea" is a phrase which is often translated as "at all costs", and "cuando sea" is a phrase which is often translated as "whenever". Learn more about the difference between "como sea" and "cuando sea" below.
como sea(
koh
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moh
seh
-
ah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. at all costs
Están dispuestos a ganar como sea, incluso haciendo trampa si es necesario.They're prepared to win at all costs, even cheating if necessary.
b. whatever it takes
No te preocupes, te devolveré el dinero como sea.Don't worry, I'll give you your money back whatever it takes.
c. no matter what
Tenemos que avisarles como sea que se suspendió la reunión, si no, harán el viaje en balde.We have to let them know the meeting has been canceled no matter what, otherwise, they'll come all the way in vain.
a. any way
Ahora voy a terminar la redacción como sea. Mañana, si tengo tiempo, ya la corregiré.I'm going to finish the composition any way now. I'll correct it tomorrow if I have time.
b. however one can
Es mejor pegarle el asa al jarrón como sea, que dejarlo roto como está.It's better to glue the handle to the vase however we can than to leave it broken as it is.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Como sea Teresa la que está usando mi bici, no pienso volver a dirigirle la palabra.If Teresa is the one using my bike, I won't be speaking to her again.
Como sea ese trasto de ahí nuestro avión, yo no me subo ni loca.If that piece of junk there is our plane, I for one won't be getting on.
cuando sea(
kwahn
-
doh
seh
-
ah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. whenever
No tenemos por qué ir de compras hoy, podemos ir cuando sea.We don't need to go shopping today, we can go whenever.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Vengan cuando sea, pero vengan porque necesito que me ayuden a llevar estas cajas al almacén.Come whenever you want, but come because I need you to help me take these boxes to the warehouse.
¿Cuándo vas a arreglar tu cuarto? - ¡Qué pesada, mamá! Lo haré cuando sea.When will you tidy up your room? - Mom, you're such a pain! I'll do it whenever I want.
a. whenever
Cuando sea posible, duerma un mínimo de ocho horas diarias.Whenever possible, sleep at least eight hours every day.
