ce sera
The English phrase "it will be" is translated into French as ce sera.
ce sera is a phrase used to describe a future state or event. It can be used with adjectives to describe a future condition, such as ce sera facile (it will be easy).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the demonstrative pronoun ce (this/it) and the future tense of the verb être (to be).
Which one should you use?
While ce sera is used for general statements about a future state, il sera is used when referring to a specific masculine subject, such as "the weather" or "the king", in a more formal or precise grammatical context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, the informal colloquial expression Y va être is used instead of Il va être.
Did you know?
- In French, the phrase ce sera is often used as a polite way to confirm a reservation or an appointment, essentially meaning 'that is settled'.
- The word ce in ce sera evolved from the Latin words ecce hoc, which literally mean 'look at this'.
- The verb être in ce sera is one of the few French verbs that maintains a distinct and irregular stem in the simple future tense.
Examples in context
- Demain, ce sera pire.It will be worse tomorrow.This sentence shows how to use ce sera to describe a future state that is worse.Tatoeba #4451234 by franlexcois, translation #10012918 by sundown
- Ce sera notre secret.It will be our secret.This sentence uses ce sera to refer to a future secret.Tatoeba #4916604 by sacredceltic, translation #3160125 by Hybrid
- Demain, ce sera fermé.Tomorrow it will be closed.This sentence uses ce sera to describe a future condition of being closed.Tatoeba #8751182 by Aiji, translation #2436091 by AlanF_US
- Ce sera un plaisir de vous rencontrer.It will be a pleasure to meet you.
- Ce sera un jour mémorable pour tous.It will be a memorable day for everyone.
- Ça sera génial!It will be awesome!
- Ça sera difficile de trouver un meilleur endroit.It will be hard to find a better place.
- Y va être là demain.He will be there tomorrow.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are planning a dinner party.
- EmmaOn dîne chez moi samedi ?Shall we have dinner at my place Saturday?
- HugoOui, ce sera parfait !Yes, that will be perfect!
- EmmaJe vais préparer un gâteau.I am going to make a cake.
- HugoCe sera délicieux, merci Emma.It will be delicious, thank you Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ce, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
