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"Cuando sea" is a phrase which is often translated as "whenever", and "lo que sea" is a phrase which is often translated as "whatever". Learn more about the difference between "cuando sea" and "lo que sea" below.
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.
lo que sea(
loh
keh
seh
-
ah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. whatever
Déjame una pala, una horca, lo que sea.Lend me a spade, a fork, whatever.
Pues lo que sea que te ofrezca este empresario, nosotros te ofreceremos más.Well whatever this businessman is offering you, we'll offer you more.
b. whatever it is
¿El grupo de Francisco se llama "Niebla", "Neblina" o "Nieve"? Bueno, lo que sea, dan un concierto en Segovia.Is Francisco's group called "Niebla", "Neblina" or "Nieve"? Well, whatever it is, they're giving a concert in Segovia.
c. whatever it takes
Haré lo que sea para proteger a mi familia.I'll do whatever it takes to protect my family.
