Inklingo

How to Say "whoever" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cualquiera

/kwal-KYEH-rah//kwalˈkjeɾa/

PronounB1General
Use 'cualquiera' when 'whoever' means 'any person' in a general or indefinite sense, often as the subject of a sentence. It implies that the identity of the person doesn't matter.
A group of diverse people starting to walk up a path, symbolizing that anyone can participate or achieve something.

Examples

Cualquiera puede cometer un error.

Anyone can make a mistake.

Cualquiera puede aprender español.

Anyone can learn Spanish.

Pregúntale a cualquiera, todos lo saben.

Ask anybody, everyone knows it.

Cualquiera de los dos vestidos te queda bien.

Either one of the two dresses looks good on you.

Using with 'que'

When you use 'cualquiera que...' to talk about a hypothetical or unknown person, the next verb often takes a special 'subjunctive' form. For example, 'Cualquiera que pueda ayudar...' (Anyone who might be able to help...).

Using 'alguien' instead

Mistake: “'Alguien' means 'someone' (a specific, but unnamed person). 'Cualquiera' means 'anyone' (it doesn't matter who).”

Correction: Use 'Alguien llamó' (Someone called). Use 'Cualquiera puede llamar' (Anyone can call).

quienquiera

/kyen-KYEH-rah//kjenˈkjeɾa/

PronounC1Formal/Emphatic
Use 'quienquiera' when 'whoever' refers to a specific but unidentified person, often followed by 'que' or 'quiera que,' and typically used in more formal or emphatic contexts.
A simple colorful illustration showing three distinct, diverse individuals (one tall, one short, one wearing glasses) standing next to each other, symbolizing the concept of 'any person who'.

Examples

Quienquiera que sea responsable, debe admitirlo.

Whoever is responsible must admit it.

Quienquiera que haya tomado mi libro, debe devolverlo inmediatamente.

Whoever took my book must return it immediately.

La ley protegerá a quienquiera que denuncie la corrupción.

The law will protect anyone who reports corruption.

El premio será para quienquiera que demuestre el mayor esfuerzo.

The prize will go to whoever demonstrates the greatest effort.

Always Use the Subjunctive

Because 'quienquiera' refers to an unknown or hypothetical person, the verb that follows must be in the special verb form (the subjunctive). This is necessary to show uncertainty.

The Optional 'que'

You almost always need to follow 'quienquiera' with the word 'que' before the next verb, like in the examples: 'Quienquiera que llame...' ('Whoever calls...').

Using the Normal Verb Form (Indicative)

Mistake: “Quienquiera que *llama*...”

Correction: Quienquiera que *llame*... (The verb *llamar* must change to the subjunctive form *llame*.)

Choosing between 'cualquiera' and 'quienquiera'

Learners often confuse these by using 'cualquiera' in more formal or specific 'whoever' contexts where 'quienquiera' is more appropriate. Remember that 'cualquiera' is more about 'any person at all,' while 'quienquiera' points to a specific, albeit unknown, individual.

Related Translations

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