vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Es decir" is a phrase which is often translated as "that is to say", and "o sea" is a phrase which is often translated as "in other words". Learn more about the difference between "es decir" and "o sea" below.
es decir(
ehs
deh
-
seer
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. that is to say
La piscina está contaminada, es decir, ¡no te bañes en ella!The swimming pool is contaminated; that is to say, don't swim in it!
b. that is
No tienes que venir, es decir, si no quieres.You don't have to come, that is, if you don't want to.
c. in other words
Me queda un montón de tarea para hacer, es decir, no puedo acompañarte al cine.I still have a ton of homework to do; in other words, I can't go with you to the movies.
o sea(
oh
seh
-
ah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. in other words
Estoy ocupado ese día. O sea, no puedo venir a la fiesta.I'm busy that day. In other words, I can't come to the party.
b. that is to say
El inquilino, o sea tú, debe mantener el apartamento en buenas condiciones.The tenant—that is to say, you—must keep the apartment in good condition.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
2. (colloquial) (to express incredulity) (Mexico)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Mexico
a. come on (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Leonard se acaba de comprar un Ferrari. - ¡O sea!Leonard just bought himself a Ferrari. - Come on!
