Spanish · C2 · Family moment
Whatever the Tears Are Saying in Spanish
This guide focuses on using 'no importa qué' and the Spanish subjunctive to express unconditional reassurance. For advanced learners, this mirrors the German 'auch immer' structure to cover all possibilities of why a baby might be upset.
What you'll learn
- Master the use of the subjunctive with concessive conjunctions (sea lo que sea).
- Express unconditional support regardless of unknown circumstances.
- Distinguish between general statements and specific 'whatever' scenarios in parenting.
Spanish phrases for whatever the tears are saying
Sea lo que sea que te haya asustado, aquí estoy.
Whatever has startled you, I'm here.
Uses the present perfect subjunctive 'haya asustado' to cover the unknown past cause.
Tardes lo que tardes en calmarte, me quedaré cerca.
However long it takes you to settle, I'll stay close.
'Tardes lo que tardes' is a common idiomatic way to say 'however long it takes'.
Signifique lo que signifique ese ruidito, te estoy escuchando.
Whatever that little sound means, I'm listening.
The subjunctive 'signifique' indicates the meaning is currently unknown or ambiguous.
Te muevas como te muevas, te sostendré bien.
Whichever way you wriggle, I'll keep you supported.
Literally: 'However you move, I will hold you well.'
Cuandoquiera que te despiertes, vendré a ver cómo estás.
Whenever you wake, I'll come and check on you.
'Cuandoquiera que' + subjunctive is the formal way to say 'no matter when'.
Por muy sucia que se ponga la comida, limpiaremos juntos.
However messy this meal gets, we'll clean up together.
'Por muy [adjetivo] que' is the standard construction for 'However [adjective]...'
Dondequiera que se haya ido tu chupete, puedes recibir un abrazo mientras lo busco.
Wherever your dummy has gone, you can have a cuddle while I look.
'Dondequiera que' triggers the subjunctive 'haya ido'.
Sea lo que sea que haya interrumpido tu siesta, ahora podemos tener un momento tranquilo.
Whatever has interrupted your nap, we can have a quiet moment now.
A very soothing way to acknowledge an unknown disturbance.
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Sea lo que sea
Whatever it may be
A fixed expression used to dismiss the importance of the specific cause in favor of the result.
Chupete
Dummy / Pacifier
Used in Spain; in some Latin American countries, 'chupo' or 'bobos' may be used.
Ruidito
Little sound
The diminutive '-ito' adds a layer of affection and gentleness.
Concessive Relative Clauses
To express 'whatever', 'wherever', or 'however', Spanish uses relative pronouns followed by the subjunctive. Unlike simple questions, these imply that the specific answer doesn't change the outcome of the parent's action.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Whatever / No matter what | Sea lo que sea / Lo que + [subj.] | Hagas lo que hagas... (Whatever you do...) |
| However [Adjective] | Por muy + [adj.] + que + [subj.] | Por muy difícil que sea... (However difficult it may be...) |
| Wherever | Dondequiera que + [subj.] | Dondequiera que estés... (Wherever you are...) |
More examples
Digan lo que digan tus lágrimas, mami te cuida.
Whatever your tears are saying, Mommy is looking after you.
Poetic use of the subjunctive to validate feelings.
Vengas cuando vengas, estaré esperándote.
Whenever you come (wake up), I will be waiting for you.
Repetition of the verb in subjunctive is a common C2 stylistic choice.