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QUICK ANSWER
"Sea" is a form of "sea", a phrase which is often translated as "be". "Quién es" is a form of "quién es", a phrase which is often translated as "who is". Learn more about the difference between "sea" and "quién es" below.
sea
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (formal) (imperative; 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).
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. to be
Es importante que sea amable con sus vecinos.It's important for you to be kind to your neighbors.
a. to be
Ana María le pidió a su hermana que sea su dama de honor en la boda.Ana Maria asked her sister to be her bridesmaid in her wedding.
quién es(
kyehn
ehs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. who is
Pronto sabremos quién es el ganador del concurso.We will soon know who the winner of the contest is.
c. who he is (masculine)
Juan sufrió un golpe a la cabeza y ya no sabe quién es.John suffered a blow to the head and no longer knows who he is.
d. who she is (feminine)
¿Ves a la señorita del vestido rojo? Quiero saber quién es.Do you see the young woman in the red dress? I want to know who she is.
d. who is he (masculine)
¡No es mi novio! - Entonces, ¿quién es?He isn't my boyfriend. - So, who is he then?
e. who is she (feminine)
¿Ves a esa muchacha que nos está mirando? - Sí, ¿quién es?Do you see that girl watching us? - Yes, who is she?
3. (formal) (second person singular; in questions)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).