sea
“sea” means “be” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
be
📝 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.
📝 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.
📝 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.
🔄 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
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from 'seya', an old form of the Latin verb 'sedēre', which meant 'to sit' or 'to remain'. Over time, its meaning merged with the Latin 'esse' (to be) to form the modern Spanish verb 'ser'.
First recorded: Around the 10th century in early Spanish texts.
Cognates (Related words)
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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).