Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sí o sí | /ˌsi o ˈsi/ | |
| sin importar nada | /sin impoɾtaɾ nada/ (from spelling rules) | |
| como sea | /ˌkomo ˈsea/ | |
| le duela a quien le duela | /le dwela a kjen le dwela/ (from spelling rules) | present |
| le doliese/doliera a quien le doliese/doliera | imperfect | |
| le doliere a quien le doliere | /le doljeɾe a kjen le doljeɾe/ (from spelling rules) | future |
Spanish speakers use different phrases depending on whether they want to emphasize determination, the irrelevance of circumstances or the specific method used to achieve a goal. Sí o sí expresses that something is inevitable or must happen. Sin importar nada is used to indicate that nothing will change the outcome. Como sea is used when the specific way or manner in which something is done does not matter. Finally, le duela a quien le duela is a specific idiomatic way to say 'no matter what' when referring to the consequences or feelings of others.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sí o sí literally translates to 'yes or yes', which implies that there is no other option available but a positive outcome.
Which one should you use?
While sí o sí is used to express determination or an inevitability, sin importar nada focuses more on the lack of influence from external circumstances. Como sea differs from these by focusing on the method, meaning 'any way' or 'however it may be', suggesting the manner of completion is irrelevant.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal tone, you can use Sin importar las circunstancias to mean 'regardless of the circumstances'. In contrast, the idiomatic expression Contra viento y marea is an informal way to say 'against all odds' or 'come hell or high water'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase le duela a quien le duela is in the present tense. You may also use the imperfect forms le doliese/doliera a quien le doliese/doliera or the future form le doliere a quien le doliere.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌsi o ˈsi/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word importar shares an ancient root with the English word 'port', via the Latin word for 'to carry across'.
- The expression contra viento y marea literally means 'against wind and tide', which is the Spanish equivalent of the English phrase 'come hell or high water'.
- In the phrase le duela a quien le duela, the use of the subjunctive mood changes the tone from a simple fact to a hypothetical consequence.
Examples in context
- A pesar de todo, seguiré luchando por mis metas.No matter what, I will continue fighting for my goals.
- El equipo siempre trabaja duro, sin importar las circunstancias.The team always works hard, no matter what the circumstances are.
- Vamos a terminar este proyecto de cualquier manera.We will finish this project no matter what.
- Iré a la fiesta aunque pase lo que pase.I will go to the party no matter what happens.
- Me gustaría visitar ese lugar, como sea.I would like to visit that place no matter what.
- Seguiré apoyándote contra viento y marea.I will continue supporting you no matter what.
- Tengo que terminar este proyecto sí o sí.I have to finish this project no matter what.
- Iremos a la fiesta sí o sí.We are going to the party no matter what.
- Debes llamar a tu madre sí o sí.You must call your mother no matter what.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are planning a trip.
- DanielElena, tenemos que comprar los boletos hoy sí o sí.Elena, we have to buy the tickets today no matter what.
- ElenaTienes razón, los precios están subiendo mucho.You are right, the prices are going up a lot.
- Daniel¿Puedes hacer la reserva ahora mismo?Can you make the reservation right now?
- ElenaSí, lo haré en este momento.Yes, I will do it this moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no matter what” translations and entries sí o sí, como sea, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries importar, nada, o, sin, sí, sí o sí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
