vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Sea" is a form of "sea", a phrase which is often translated as "be". "Ya sea" is a conjunction which is often translated as "either". Learn more about the difference between "ya sea" and "sea" below.
ya sea(
yah
 
seh
-
ah
)
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
conjunction
a. either
Que un adulto–ya sea tu mamá o tu papá–te ayude a cortar fotos de una revista.Have an adult–either your mom or your dad–help you cut pictures out of a magazine.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
sea
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
1.
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
(imperative; second person singular)
a. be
Sea cuidadoso con esas copas; son frágiles.Be careful with those glasses; they're fragile.
a. to be
Mi madre quiere que sea más paciente.My mother wants me to be more patient.
3.
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
(subjunctive; second person singular)
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.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.