O sea
Example: Me gusta el helado, o sea, prefiero el chocolate.
Definition
"O sea" is a Spanish expression used to clarify or rephrase what has just been said, similar to saying "that is to say" or "in other words" in English. It helps to make the speaker's point more explicit or to provide additional explanation.
Etymology
The expression "o sea" comes from the Spanish words 'o' meaning 'or' and 'sea', the subjunctive form of the verb 'ser' meaning 'to be'. Together, they literally translate to 'or be,' but the phrase evolved to serve as a common conversational tool for clarification. Did you know that despite its literal components, "o sea" functions idiomatically and is not about existence or choice but about explanation?
Learn to use this expression actively
"O sea" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (A1) - parte 1", containing 112 commonly used expressions.
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