Learn Spanish (Spain): Sea como sea, nuestro propósito es firme.

Sea como sea, nuestro propósito es firme.

Whatever happens, our purpose is firm.

Breakdown of Sea como sea, nuestro propósito es firme.

however, the way (manner, + subjunctive)

el propósito

the purpose

Questions & Answers about Sea como sea, nuestro propósito es firme.

How does the formula sea como sea work in this sentence, and why does it use the subjunctive twice?

This is a reduplicative formula, meaning it repeats a verb around a linking word like como (how). It literally translates to 'be how it may be.' Because you are expressing indifference to the outcome—meaning the exact circumstances are unknown or irrelevant—Spanish requires the subjunctive (sea) for both verbs.

Could I use pase lo que pase instead of sea como sea here?

Yes, they are almost entirely interchangeable in this context. Pase lo que pase literally means 'happen what may happen' (whatever happens), while sea como sea means 'however it is' or 'be that as it may.' Both perfectly express that your firm purpose won't be affected by outside conditions.

Why does the second part of the sentence use the indicative (es firme) after starting with the subjunctive?

The subjunctive in the first half (sea como sea) only applies to the hypothetical or unknown conditions of the situation. The second half (nuestro propósito es firme) is a concrete declaration of a fact: you are stating that your resolve actually is firm right now. Because you are declaring a reality, it requires the indicative (es).

Is propósito related to a proposal? Why not use proposición?