vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Por" is a preposition which is often translated as "by", and "que sea" is a phrase which is often translated as "he is". Learn more about the difference between "por" and "que sea" below.
por(
pohr
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
5. (by way of)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Has ido a por tu hijo a la escuela?Have you picked up your son from school?
Habrá que ir a por leche cuando lleguemos.We'll need to go out for milk when we get there.
8. (for each)
10. (in place of)
a. for
Yo terminaré el trabajo por ti cuando estés de vacaciones.I'll finish the job for you while you're on vacation.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Está por verse.That remains to be seen.
El asunto está por resolverse.The issue is yet to be resolved.
que sea(
keh
seh
-
ah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. he is (masculine)
Por muy bueno que sea, Arturo no me parece la pareja adecuada para Miranda.However nice he is, I don't think Arturo is the right partner for Miranda.
b. she is (feminine)
Por muy guapa que sea, a mí Fernanda no me acaba de gustar.However beautiful she is, I don't particularly like Fernanda.
d. it is
Por muy eficaz que sea, jamás pagaría ese precio.However efficient it is, I'd never pay that price.
e. that is (used to refer to a thing)
Busco una casa que sea grande y luminosa.I'm looking for a house that is big and bright.
a. I am
Por tonta que sea, soy consciente de cómo me tratan.However stupid I am, I'm aware of how they treat me.
3. (formal) (subjunctive; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. you are
Por lo rico que sea, jamás me casaría con usted.However rich you are, I would never marry you.
