Spanish · C1 · Everyday language
What Matters Either Way in Spanish
This guide helps parents use 'irrelevance constructions' in Spanish to reinforce core values. These structures show that a certain outcome or choice does not change a fundamental commitment, such as respect, effort, or love.
What you'll learn
- Master the use of 'tanto si... como si...' and 'ya sea... o...' to express 'whether... or...'.
- Understand the use of the subjunctive mood in clauses expressing irrelevance.
- Learn to prioritize the parent-child bond over external results or choices.
Spanish phrases for what matters either way
Tanto si tu proyecto gana un premio como si no, tu trabajo cuidadoso es lo que importa.
Whether your project wins a prize or not, your careful work matters.
Uses 'tanto si... como si no' to frame the alternatives.
Ya sea que elijas teatro o robótica, te ayudaré a explorar el compromiso que conlleva.
Whether you choose drama or robotics, I will help you explore the commitment involved.
'Ya sea que' followed by the subjunctive 'elijas' is a formal way to present options.
Tanto si tu amigo está de acuerdo contigo como si no, aún puedes hablar con respeto.
Whether your friend agrees with you or disagrees, you can still speak respectfully.
Replaces 'disagrees' with 'como si no' for a natural flow in Spanish.
Tanto si el video tiene diez visualizaciones como si tiene mil, se aplican las mismas reglas de privacidad.
Whether the video gets ten views or a thousand, the same privacy rules apply.
A common structure for comparing quantities in irrelevance clauses.
Ya sea que vayamos en bici o nos quedemos en casa, reservaremos tiempo para estar juntos.
Whether we go cycling or stay at home, we will set aside time together.
The subjunctive 'vayamos' and 'nos quedemos' indicate the outcome doesn't change the plan.
Tanto si el experimento tiene éxito como si falla, debemos registrar los resultados con honestidad.
Whether the experiment succeeds or fails, we need to record the results honestly.
Contrastive verbs 'tener éxito' vs 'fallar'.
Tanto si necesitas ayuda hoy como si te las arreglas solo, no tienes que demostrarme tu valía.
Whether you need help today or manage independently, you do not have to prove your worth to me.
'Arreglárselas' is a common idiomatic way to say 'to manage'.
Ya sea que el grupo acepte tu sugerencia o la rechace, mereces la oportunidad de explicarla.
Whether the group accepts your suggestion or rejects it, you deserve a chance to explain it.
Uses the subjunctive 'acepte/rechace' to show the irrelevance of their reaction.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
tanto si... como si...
whether... or...
The most common way to introduce two scenarios that don't change the main statement.
ya sea que
whether it be that
Always triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
valía
worth / value
Often used in the context of personal or inner worth.
conllevar
to involve / entail
A C1 level verb describing the implications or requirements of a choice.
Irrelevance Clauses with Subjunctive
When expressing that an action occurs regardless of a condition, Spanish uses 'tanto si' (usually with indicative) or 'ya sea que' (always with subjunctive). Unlike English, the subordinate clause is often fronted for emphasis.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tanto si | Tanto si + [Indicativo] | Tanto si llueve como si no, iremos. |
| Ya sea que | Ya sea que + [Subjuntivo] | Ya sea que ganes o pierdas, estoy orgulloso. |
More examples
Tanto si hace sol como si está nublado, el plan sigue en pie.
Whether it's sunny or cloudy, the plan stands.
Shows the 'result' is independent of the 'weather'.
Ya sea que prefieras leer o jugar fuera, lo importante es descansar.
Whether you prefer to read or play outside, the important thing is to rest.
Focuses on the core value (rest) rather than the activity choice.