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"Whatever" is a pronoun which is often translated as "lo que", and "whichever" is a pronoun which is often translated as "cualquiera". Learn more about the difference between "whatever" and "whichever" below.
whatever(
wuhd
-
ehv
-
uhr
)A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
1. (anything)
b. lo que sea
Order me whatever. I'm too hungry to care.Pídeme lo que sea. Tengo tanta hambre que ya no me importa.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Whatever happens, I want you to remember that I love you.Pase lo que pase, quiero que recuerdes que te amo.
Whatever it may be, we will be ready for it.Sea lo que sea, estaremos preparados.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
c. como sea
Do you want to go to the beach or to a museum? - Whatever.¿Quieres ir a la playa o a un museo? - Como sea.
a. me da igual
I'll confiscate your phone if you don't do your chores. - Whatever!Te sacaré el teléfono si no haces los quehaceres. - ¡Me da igual!
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
6. (any)
a. cualquier
Whatever house we buy will become our home.Cualquier casa que compremos se convertirá en nuestro hogar.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I'll support you whatever choice you make.Te apoyaré decidas lo que decidas.
We will implement whatever changes are necessary.Implementaremos los cambios que sean necesarios.
whichever(
wihch
-
eh
-
vuhr
)A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. cualquiera
Can I have a piece of candy? - Sure! You can take whichever you like.¿Puedo tomar un caramelo? - ¡Claro! Puedes tomar cualquiera que te guste.
a. el que (when referring to a masculine noun)
Whichever you buy will work for our purposes. Just make up your mind!El que compres servirá nuestro propósito. ¡Solo decídete de una vez!
b. la que (when referring to a feminine noun)
Which jacket should I buy? - Buy whichever you like more.¿Cuál chaqueta me debería comprar? - Compra la que te guste más.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. cualquiera que sea el...que (when referring to a masculine noun)
Whichever road you take, you'll end up at the beach.Cualquiera que sea el camino que tomes, acabarás en la playa.
b. cualquiera que sea la...que (when referring to a feminine noun)
Whichever time you choose, please be on time.Cualquiera que sea la hora que elija, por favor sea puntual.
a. el...que (when referring to a masculine noun)
You can use whichever hammer you prefer.Puedes usar el martillo que prefieras.
b. la...que (when referring to a feminine noun)
Make sure you thoroughly practice whichever song you're going to perform.Asegúrate de practicar a fondo la canción que vayas a interpretar.
