Breakdown of Yo voy a enfrentar el problema, pase lo que pase.
yo
I
el problema
the problem
ir
to go
a
to
que
that / than
lo
the ... thing (neuter article)
pasar
to happen
enfrentar
to face
Questions & Answers about Yo voy a enfrentar el problema, pase lo que pase.
Why is pase used twice in the phrase pase lo que pase, and why is it in the subjunctive?
This is a reduplicative subjunctive clause, which is the standard Spanish structure for saying whatever happens or no matter what happens. You repeat the same verb in the subjunctive, linked by lo que (that which). The subjunctive is required because the future events are hypothetical or unknown.
Can I use other verbs in this [verb] lo que [verb] structure?
Yes, this formula is extremely common and flexible! You can use it with many verbs to express indifference to the outcome. For example, diga lo que diga (whatever he/she says), cueste lo que cueste (whatever it costs), or hagas lo que hagas (whatever you do). Just ensure both verbs match in tense and use the subjunctive.
I've also learned the verb enfrentarse a. Could I use that here instead of just enfrentar?
Yes, absolutely. Enfrentar el problema and enfrentarse al problema mean exactly the same thing in this context. Using enfrentar as a direct transitive verb (without the reflexive pronoun or the preposition a) is very common in Latin America, while enfrentarse a is universally understood and also correct.
Does keeping the pronoun Yo at the beginning change the tone?
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