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"Sean" is a form of "sean", a phrase which is often translated as "be". "Cuando sea" is a phrase which is often translated as "whenever". Learn more about the difference between "cuando sea" and "sean" below.
cuando sea(
kwahn
-
doh
 
seh
-
ah
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
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.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct 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.
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sean
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. be
Sean pacientes. El tren llegará pronto.Be patient. The train will be arriving soon.
a. to be
Les pido que sean pacientes; el señor Rivas está en camino.I ask you to be patient; Mr. Rivas is on his way.
a. to be
Todo lo que quiere para sus hijos es que sean felices.All she wants for her children is for them to be happy.
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