Unwavering Determination
To express absolute determination and show that you will achieve a goal "no matter what," Spanish uses a repeating subjunctive formula. The pattern is usually [Verb in subjunctive] + lo que / como + [Same verb in subjunctive].
A great example of this is sea como sea (whatever happens / be that as it may). This phrase is perfect for declaring a firm purpose.
| Whatever happens, our purpose is firm. | Sea como sea, nuestro propósito es firme. |
Whatever It Costs
Another highly common phrase in this pattern is cueste lo que cueste (whatever it costs / at all costs). Use this to emphasize that you will overcome la adversidad (adversity) or make a major sacrificio (sacrifice) regardless of the difficulty.
| We are going to overcome the adversity, whatever it costs. | Vamos a superar la adversidad, cueste lo que cueste. |
| We are going to make the sacrifice, whatever it costs. | Vamos a hacer el sacrificio, cueste lo que cueste. |
Whatever They Say
When the obstacle is other people's opinions, use the verb decir (to say). Unlike sea and cueste, which generally stay in the third-person singular in these set phrases, the form of decir must match whoever is speaking.
Use diga lo que diga for a singular person (whatever he/she says), and digan lo que digan for multiple people (whatever they say).
| Whatever your mother says, your determination is unstoppable. | Diga lo que diga tu madre, tu determinación es imparable. |
| Whatever they say, I am not going to sacrifice my free time. | Digan lo que digan, no voy a sacrificar mi tiempo libre. |
These phrases are particularly useful when you need to oponerse a (oppose) someone's plans and stand your ground.
| I oppose this plan, whatever the boss says. | Me opongo a este plan, diga lo que diga el jefe. |
