o sea
Lemma Details
Translation: that is; in other words; I mean; or rather; so
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: This phrase combines the conjunction 'o' (or) with 'sea', the present subjunctive form of the verb 'ser' (to be). Literally, it translates to 'or be it', but functionally it works like the English phrases 'that is' or 'in other words'. It evolved as a clarifying expression, allowing speakers to reformulate or explain their previous statement.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No tengo coche, o sea, necesito tomar el autobús.
I don't have a car, that is, I need to take the bus.
Llegó muy tarde, o sea, a las dos de la mañana.
He arrived very late, I mean, at two in the morning.
O sea que no vas a venir a la fiesta.
So you're not coming to the party.
Es ingeniero, o sea, trabaja con computadoras y esas cosas.
He's an engineer, in other words, he works with computers and those things.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'o sea' as 'oh, say' in English - as in 'oh, say what I really mean is...'
- The 'o' (or) suggests an alternative explanation is coming, and 'sea' (be it) introduces that explanation.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is extremely common in everyday Spanish conversation. It's often used as a filler phrase or discourse marker, especially among younger speakers. In some regions, particularly among youth, it can be overused to the point of becoming a verbal tic, similar to how English speakers might overuse 'like' or 'you know'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Sea' alone is the subjunctive form of 'ser' (to be), while 'o sea' is a fixed expression used to clarify or rephrase.
Notes: The phrase 'o sea' is much more common in conversation than the standalone subjunctive 'sea'.
Mnemonic: 'O sea' always introduces a clarification or rephrasing, while 'sea' alone is just the subjunctive form of 'ser'.
Explanation: While 'o sea' introduces a clarification or rephrasing, 'así que' introduces a consequence or conclusion.
This word:
No tengo dinero, o sea, no puedo comprar nada.
I don't have money, that is, I can't buy anything.
Confused word:
No tengo dinero, así que no puedo comprar nada.
I don't have money, so I can't buy anything.
Notes: Both are conjunctions but serve different logical functions in a sentence.
Mnemonic: Think of 'o sea' as 'that is' and 'así que' as 'so' or 'therefore'.