Whichever vs. Whatever: ¿Cuál es la diferencia?
whatever para opciones infinitas y whichever para elegir de una lista corta o específica.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'whichever' for a limited set of choices and 'whatever' when the options are unlimited or unknown.
- Use 'whichever' when choosing from a specific group: 'Pick whichever dress you like.'
- Use 'whatever' for anything at all: 'Do whatever makes you happy.'
- Both words mean 'it doesn't matter which/what' in the context of the sentence.
Overview
whichever y whatever.cualquiera, lo que sea o el que quieras. Pero el inglés es más específico en cuanto al alcance de la elección (scope of choice).whatever y whichever. Entender esto no solo te ayudará a aprobar exámenes, sino a sonar mucho más natural en una conversación de WhatsApp, en una reunión de trabajo o mientras viajas.lo que sea para referirnos a algo indeterminado y cualquiera para elegir. El problema es que whatever y whichever pueden traducirse de formas muy similares, lo que genera confusión.- 1Como Determinantes: Acompañan directamente al nombre.
Whatever movie...(Cualquier película, no importa cuál de todas las que existen).Whichever movie...(Cualquiera de las películas que estamos considerando ahora mismo).
- 1Como Pronombres: Sustituyen al nombre por completo.
Eat whatever you want.(Come lo que quieras, de todo lo que hay en el mundo).Eat whichever you want.(Come cualquiera de estos —señalando, por ejemplo, dos platos específicos—).
el que quieras vs. lo que quieras), mientras que el inglés utiliza estas dos palabras específicas basadas en la cantidad de opciones.whatever y whichever es bastante lógica y sigue patrones que ya conoces de otras palabras interrogativas como what o which. Aquí te muestro cómo construirlas correctamente para que no dudes al hablar.- Como Sujeto:
Whatever happens, stays between us.(Pase lo que pase, queda entre nosotros). - Como Objeto:
You can choose whichever you prefer.(Puedes elegir cualquiera —de un grupo limitado— que prefieras).
- Patrón:
Whatever/Whichever+ Sustantivo + Sujeto + Verbo Whatever dress she wears, she looks great.(Cualquier vestido que se ponga —sin límites—, se ve genial).Whichever dress you pick (between the red and the blue), you will look great.(Cualquier vestido que elijas —entre el rojo y el azul—, te verás genial).
no importa qué o no importa cuál. En español, esto equivale a nuestras frases con subjuntivo (
sea lo que sea,
venga quien venga).Whatever the cost, I will buy it.(Sea cual sea el coste / No importa el coste, lo compraré).Whichever road you take, it will be a long trip.(Cualquiera de los caminos que tomes —de los disponibles—, será un viaje largo).
You can take the one whichever, sino You can take whichever (one) you want.experto. Vamos a ver situaciones cotidianas para que sepas exactamente cuál elegir.Whatever cuando el horizonte es abierto:We can watch whatever you want. Aquí, whatever implica que hay miles de películas disponibles y no te importa cuál sea. Es una declaración de libertad total o indiferencia.Whatever:- Generalizaciones:
Whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well.(Todo lo que vale la pena hacer, vale la pena hacerlo bien). - Indiferencia absoluta:
I'll eat whatever.(Comeré lo que sea / cualquier cosa). - Desconocimiento:
He buys whatever gadget he sees on Instagram.(Él compra cualquier aparato que ve en Instagram —no sabemos cuáles son—).
Whichever cuando el grupo es cerrado:We can watch whichever you want. ¿Por qué? Porque la elección se ha reducido a esas tres opciones visibles.whatever aquí, sonarías un poco impreciso, como si estuvieras ignorando que ya hay una selección hecha.Whichever:- Opciones binarias (A o B):
You can have tea or coffee, whichever you prefer.(Puedes tomar té o café, el que prefieras). - Instrucciones específicas:
Whichever candidate gets more votes will win.(Cualquiera de los candidatos —que son un grupo limitado— que obtenga más votos, ganará). - Referencias previas:
There are four hotels in the city; you can stay at whichever is cheapest.(Hay cuatro hoteles; puedes quedarte en el que sea más barato).
puedes llevarte el que quierastanto si hay 2 opciones como si hay 50. Por eso, tendemos a usar
whatever para todo.- Incorrecto:
I have two pens. Take whatever you want. - Correcto:
I have two pens. Take whichever you want. - Por qué sucede: Porque traducimos mentalmente
lo que quierascomowhatever. Recuerda: si puedes contar las opciones con los dedos de tus manos, probablemente debas usarwhichever.
el que sea y decimos the which one.- Incorrecto:
The which one you choose is fine. - Correcto:
Whichever one you choose is fine. - Por qué sucede: Intentamos traducir literalmente el artículo
elseguido del relativo. En inglés,whicheverya incluye esa función.
Whatever como respuesta cortante:Whatever. cuando alguien te está hablando puede sonar muy grosero o despectivo, parecido a decir Me da igual lo que digaso
Ahorra tus palabras.- Situación: Tu jefe te explica una nueva regla.
- Tu respuesta:
Whatever.(¡Error fatal! Parecerá que no te importa su autoridad). - Mejor opción:
Whichever option you prefer is fine with me.oI'm okay with that.
whatever y whichever encajan con sus hermanos de la familia -ever. Todos siguen la misma lógica: añaden la idea de no importa quién/cuándo/dónde.
Whoever broke the window must pay for it. |Call me whenever you arrive. |I will follow you wherever you go. |However you do it, make sure it's safe. |- Si el vendedor dice:
You can test drive whatever car you see in this city.(Cualquier coche de la ciudad, ¡una locura!). - Si el vendedor dice:
You can test drive whichever car you see in this showroom.(Cualquiera de los que están aquí dentro, un grupo limitado).
whichever si hay muchas opciones, por ejemplo, diez?whichever. Si te digo que elijas cualquier libro de la biblioteca entera, diré whatever.whatever siempre informal?Whatever the outcome of the election, the economy will change. Lo que es informal (y a veces rudo) es usarlo como una respuesta de una sola palabra en una conversación.whichever of them?You can choose whichever of these samples you like. Es una forma excelente de sonar más profesional y preciso, ya que refuerzas que la elección sale de un grupo específico (these samples).which y whichever?Which se usa normalmente para hacer preguntas directas o relativas simples: Which color do you like?. Whichever añade un matiz de cualquiera de ellos no importa cuál:
Choose whichever color you like. Es más enfático sobre la libertad de elección dentro de ese grupo.Usage as Determiner vs. Pronoun
| Type | Whichever | Whatever |
|---|---|---|
|
Determiner (+ Noun)
|
Whichever *dress* you pick...
|
Whatever *decision* you make...
|
|
Pronoun (Alone)
|
Pick whichever is cheaper.
|
Do whatever you want.
|
|
With 'of'
|
Whichever of these...
|
Whatever of his work remains... (Rare)
|
|
Subject Position
|
Whichever is best will win.
|
Whatever you say is true.
|
|
Object Position
|
I'll take whichever.
|
I'll do whatever.
|
Meanings
These words are used to indicate that the specific identity of a person, thing, or choice is not important or is unknown.
Limited Choice
Used when there is a restricted number of options available to choose from.
“There are two flights; take whichever is cheaper.”
“Whichever path you take on this mountain, you will reach the top.”
Unlimited Choice
Used when the options are open-ended, unknown, or infinite.
“Whatever you decide, I will support you.”
“Eat whatever you want from the fridge.”
Indifference (Slang)
Used as a one-word response to show that the speaker does not care or is dismissive.
“'We're going to be late!' 'Whatever.'”
“I don't care, whatever.”
Reference Table
| Palabra | Significado | Tipo de elección | Ejemplo |
|---|---|---|---|
|
whatever
|
Cualquier cosa; no importa qué
|
Ilimitada, abierta
|
Order `whatever` you want from the menu.
|
|
whichever
|
Cualquiera; no importa cuál
|
Limitada, específica
|
We have tea or coffee; take `whichever` you prefer.
|
|
whatever
|
Como determinante
|
Ilimitada
|
`Whatever` decision you make is fine with me.
|
|
whichever
|
Como determinante
|
Limitada
|
`Whichever` road we take, we'll get there eventually.
|
|
whatever
|
Como pronombre
|
Ilimitada
|
"What should I wear?" "`Whatever`, it's a casual party."
|
|
whichever
|
Como pronombre
|
Limitada
|
Of the two options, choose `whichever` seems best.
|
|
whatever
|
Uso informal (slang)
|
Indiferencia
|
"You forgot to do the dishes!" "`Whatever`."
|
|
whichever
|
Uso informal (slang)
|
N/A
|
This is not used as a slang term for indifference.
|
Espectro de formalidad
I shall be satisfied with whichever option you deem appropriate. (Making a decision)
I'm fine with whichever one you choose. (Making a decision)
Whichever is fine by me. (Making a decision)
Whatever, man. (Making a decision)
Whichever vs. Whatever
Eligiendo la palabra correcta
¿La elección es de un grupo pequeño y específico?
Palabras para elegir
Elección limitada
- Whichever Pick one from this list
Elección ilimitada
- Whatever Pick anything at all
Cuándo usarlos
Whichever
- • Dos opciones
- • Una lista corta
- • Menú específico
- • Entre estos pocos
Whatever
- • Todo es posible
- • Sugerencias abiertas
- • No importa qué
- • Posibilidades infinitas
Ejemplos por nivel
Eat whatever you want.
Take whichever book you like.
Whatever you say is fine.
Pick whichever color you want.
You can come whatever time you like.
Whichever bus comes first, we will take it.
I will do whatever I can to help.
Buy whichever of those two shirts is cheaper.
Whichever route we take, it will take at least an hour.
Whatever the reason for his delay, we must start now.
You can choose whichever of the three options suits you best.
Whatever happens at the party, stay with your friends.
Whichever candidate is elected, they will face a difficult task.
He seems to succeed at whatever he turns his hand to.
Whichever way you look at it, the plan is risky.
I'm happy to go to whichever restaurant you've booked.
Whatever the merits of the argument, the timing was poor.
Whichever of the two theories you subscribe to, the data remains the same.
She remains cheerful, whatever the circumstances.
Whichever path they chose, they were bound to encounter resistance.
The company will survive, whatever the cost to its reputation.
Whichever of the myriad possibilities occurs, we are prepared.
He was free to do whatever he pleased with the inheritance.
Whichever side of the debate one falls on, the complexity is undeniable.
Fácil de confundir
Learners often use 'which' when they should use 'whichever' to show that the choice doesn't matter.
Learners use 'what' as a relative pronoun in ways that sound non-standard.
Mixing up things/choices with people.
Errores comunes
Take whatever of these two.
Take whichever of these two.
Whatever you want it is okay.
Whatever you want is okay.
I like whichever.
I like whatever.
Whichever you do?
Whatever are you doing?
Whichever you want to eat tonight?
What do you want to eat tonight?
He eats whichever.
He eats whatever.
Whatever shirt of these two is better?
Which shirt of these two is better?
Whichever happens, I'm ready.
Whatever happens, I'm ready.
I'll buy whichever one you want from the whole store.
I'll buy whatever you want from the whole store.
Whatever of the two options is fine.
Whichever of the two options is fine.
Whichever the case may be...
Whatever the case may be...
He was happy with whichever.
He was happy with whatever.
Whatever one you choose...
Whichever one you choose...
Patrones de oraciones
You can ___ whichever ___ you like.
Whatever happens, ___.
Whichever of the ___ you choose, ___.
I'm happy to do whatever ___.
Real World Usage
Whatever you want to do is cool with me.
I am happy to work whichever shift the team needs most.
Whichever item you choose, shipping is free.
I'll have whatever the chef recommends.
Whichever train we take, we'll need to change at London.
Whatever, I don't agree with this post at all.
La prueba de los dos
Take whichever one you want.
El 'Whatever' cortante
Usa '-ever' para dar énfasis
Call me at whatever time you can.
Un toque de los 90
Ugh, whatever, I am totally leaving.
Smart Tips
Always use 'whichever'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Use 'whatever' to show that their options are completely open.
Use 'whichever' followed by a noun to be clear about the choices.
Be careful with 'Whatever.' Use 'Anyway...' instead to be more polite.
Pronunciación
Stress Pattern
The primary stress is on the second syllable of the base word, but the '-ever' suffix is often spoken quickly.
The 'T' in Whatever
In American English, the 't' in 'whatever' often sounds like a soft 'd' (flap T).
Dismissive Whatever
What-ever! ↘
Falling intonation on the last syllable shows annoyance or indifference.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Whichever is for 'Which' (choices), Whatever is for 'What' (anything).
Asociación visual
Imagine a small box with three toys (Whichever) versus a giant open field with everything in the world (Whatever).
Rhyme
If the choices are few, whichever will do. If the options are any, whatever for the many.
Story
A king told his son, 'You can marry whichever of these three princesses you love.' The son replied, 'I will do whatever makes me happy, even if I don't marry at all!'
Word Web
Desafío
Look around your room. Pick two objects and say a sentence with 'whichever.' Then think of a dream and say a sentence with 'whatever.'
Notas culturales
The single word 'Whatever' became a famous catchphrase for teenagers in the 90s to show they didn't care about what adults were saying. It is still used today but can be very rude.
In professional settings, using 'whichever' sounds more precise and helpful than 'whatever', which can sound lazy.
Using 'whatever you want' is a common way to show hospitality to guests in English-speaking cultures, emphasizing their comfort over yours.
The suffix '-ever' comes from the Old English 'æfre', meaning 'always' or 'at any time'.
Inicios de conversación
If you could travel to any country, whatever the cost, where would you go?
Between tea and coffee, whichever you prefer, how do you take it?
Whatever happened to your favorite childhood toy?
Whichever of your friends is the funniest, what is their best joke?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
You can have the chocolate or vanilla ice cream. Pick ___ you like more.
Choose the correct sentence:
Find and fix the mistake:
Between the train and the bus, you can take whatever is cheaper.
Score: /3
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercisesThere are two flights to Paris. We can take ___ one you prefer.
___ you do, don't press the red button!
Find and fix the mistake:
You can have whatever of these three cakes.
It doesn't matter what he says, I don't believe him.
1. Whichever road we take... / 2. Whatever you decide...
Select the formal option.
I'm happy to eat ___ is in the fridge.
'Whichever' is used for an unlimited number of choices.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesThe store is huge. You can buy ___ you find.
There are three colors available: red, green, or blue. Choose ___ one you like best.
You have two invitations. You should go to whatever party sounds more fun.
Elige la frase correcta:
Traduce al inglés: 'Comeré lo que sea que cocines'.
Ordena las palabras para formar una frase:
Empareja el contexto con la palabra correcta:
A: 'What should I do now?' B: '___ you want. I don't have a preference.'
Elige la opción correcta:
Whichever happens, we must stay calm.
Traduce: 'Elige la chaqueta que más te guste: la roja o la negra'.
Ordena la frase:
Une las mitades de las frases:
Score: /13
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
No, for people we use `whoever` or `whomever`. For example: 'Whoever wins the race gets a trophy.'
Not necessarily, but it is more *precise*. Using it correctly shows a better command of English logic.
It is better to say `whichever one` if you are referring to a specific item, but `whatever one` is sometimes heard in very casual speech.
It means 'or something similar.' For example: 'We can go to the park or whatever.'
No. It is only rude when used as a one-word response to dismiss someone. In a sentence like 'Whatever you want is fine,' it is perfectly polite.
Use `whichever of` before a plural noun or pronoun, like 'Whichever of these books...' or 'Whichever of them...'
In very informal speech, people say 'Whatever are you doing?' to show surprise, but it's not standard for normal questions.
`Any` is a determiner, while `whichever` often starts a whole clause. 'Take any book' vs 'Take whichever book you like.'
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
cualquiera / lo que sea
English forces a choice between 'which' and 'what' roots; Spanish often uses 'cual' roots for both.
n'importe lequel / quoi que
French uses a phrase ('it doesn't matter') whereas English uses a single word with a suffix.
welcher auch immer / was auch immer
German keeps the parts separate ('was auch immer') while English merges them into one word.
どれでも (dore-demo) / 何でも (nani-demo)
The logic of limited vs. unlimited sets is almost identical to English.
أيّاً كان (ayyan kana) / مهما (mahma)
Arabic often uses verbal structures or particles rather than a simple suffix.
无论哪个 (wúlùn nǎge) / 无论什么 (wúlùn shénme)
Chinese requires the 'no matter' equivalent to be stated explicitly at the start of the clause.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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