sea
/SEH-ah/
be
Just like this person hopes the weather will be nice, 'sea' is used to talk about hopes, doubts, or possibilities.
📝 In Action
Espero que la fiesta sea divertida.
A2I hope the party is fun.
No creo que sea una buena idea.
B1I don't think it's a good idea.
Busco un trabajo que sea interesante.
B1I'm looking for a job that is interesting.
Quizás sea mejor esperar.
B1Maybe it's better to wait.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Maybe' Mood (Subjunctive)
'Sea' is a special form of 'ser' (to be) used when you're not stating a fact. You use it to talk about wishes, doubts, possibilities, or opinions. Think of it as the 'what if' or 'I hope so' form of 'to be'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'es' instead of 'sea'
Mistake: "No creo que es verdad."
Correction: No creo que **sea** verdad. After phrases that express doubt like 'no creo que' (I don't think that), Spanish uses this special 'sea' form to show it's not a sure thing.
⭐ Usage Tips
Look for 'Trigger' Words
Certain phrases are clues that you'll probably need 'sea'. Look for triggers like 'espero que' (I hope that), 'es posible que' (it's possible that), and 'no creo que' (I don't think that).
When giving a formal or polite command, like a guide telling someone to 'be patient' ('sea paciente'), you use 'sea'.
📝 In Action
Por favor, sea puntual.
B1Please, be punctual.
Sea amable con los clientes.
B1Be kind to the customers.
No sea tan negativo.
B1Don't be so negative.
💡 Grammar Points
Polite Commands (Imperative)
Use 'sea' to give a polite command to someone you address as 'usted' (the formal 'you'). It's the command form of 'ser' (to be). For example, 'Sea honesto' means 'Be honest'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'sé' and 'sea'
Mistake: "When talking to a friend: 'Sea bueno'."
Correction: To a friend (using the 'tú' form), the command is '**sé** bueno'. You use '**sea** bueno' when speaking to someone more formally (using the 'usted' form).
'O sea' is like untangling a thought. You use it to rephrase or explain something more clearly, like saying 'in other words' or 'I mean'.
sea(Phrase)
in other words
?clarifying a statement
I mean
?as a filler or correction
,that is to say
?formal explanation
,so
?drawing a conclusion
📝 In Action
El tren llega a las 14:00, o sea, a las dos de la tarde.
A2The train arrives at 14:00, in other words, at two in the afternoon.
No tengo dinero, o sea que no puedo ir al cine.
B1I don't have money, so I can't go to the movies.
No me gustó la película... o sea, no es mi tipo de humor.
B1I didn't like the movie... I mean, it's not my type of humor.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Super-Useful Conversation Tool
Native speakers use 'o sea' all the time to clarify their thoughts, correct themselves, or just fill a pause. It's like saying 'I mean,' 'in other words,' or 'like' in English. Using it will make you sound more natural.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sea
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'sea' to express a wish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to use 'sea' instead of 'es' after 'no creo que'?
Think of it this way: 'es' states a fact ('it is'). When you say 'no creo que' (I don't think that), you are introducing doubt. You're no longer stating a fact, but talking about a possibility. Spanish has a special verb form, the subjunctive ('sea'), just for these situations of doubt, wishing, or uncertainty.
Can I use 'o sea' in formal writing?
It's best to avoid it. 'O sea' is very common in spoken Spanish but can sound too informal for essays or professional emails. In writing, use alternatives like 'es decir' or 'esto es', which both mean 'that is to say'.
Is 'sea' from the verb 'ser' or 'estar'?
'Sea' always comes from the verb 'ser'. The verb 'estar' has its own forms for these situations, which are 'esté' and 'estés'. You use 'sea' for permanent characteristics or identity ('Espero que sea simpático' - I hope he is nice) and 'esté' for temporary states or locations ('Espero que esté bien' - I hope he is well).