I can't quite understand the repeated phrase "o sea" in El Principito, the story of the drawing of the snake. Does it mean that 'it seemed to be the case that'. Tricky subjunctive stuff!

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I can’t quite understand the repeated phrase “o sea” in El Principito, the story of the drawing of the snake. Does it mean that ‘it seemed to be the case that’. Tricky subjunctive stuff!

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Ignore the word and please don’t use it.

Formed as the subjunctive present tense of the verb “ser,” means exactly the same as “o lo que es lo mismo” and “es decir”. You can translate it as “I mean” or as “That is (to say”). It is seriously informal Spanish. I couldn’t imagine teaching a kid to talk like this in a children’s book. It’s like, you know, like whatever, totally.

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I disagree. There are better phrases to use however I don’t see a problem using it. You just shouldn’t let it become a crutch.

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Right, that’s what I’m saying. Be sparing.