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"Whoever" is a pronoun which is often translated as "quien", and "whatever" is a pronoun which is often translated as "lo que". Learn more about the difference between "whoever" and "whatever" below.
whoever(
hu
-
eh
-
vuhr
)A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. quien
Whoever stole my laptop is going to be in big trouble.Quien se haya robado mi laptop se va a meter en problemas.
a. quienquiera
Whoever comes to the party will receive a book of stickers.Quienquiera que venga a la fiesta recibirá un librito de pegatinas.
b. sea quien sea
Whoever becomes the next governor will have a tough job.Sea quien sea el próximo gobernador tendrá un trabajo difícil.
c. quien sea
Whoever you ask will tell you that it's the best restaurant in town.A quien sea que se lo preguntes, te dirá que es el mejor restaurante de la ciudad.
a. quién
Whoever could be calling at this ungodly hour?¿Quién podría estar llamando a esta hora intempestiva?
4. (colloquial) (a person not specified)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I saw my ex downtown with her new boyfriend, Keith or whoever.Vi a mi ex en el centro con su nuevo novio, Keith o quien sea.
When you get to our office, talk to the secretary or whoever.Cuando llegues a la oficina, habla con la secretaria o con alguien.
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.
