quoi qu'il arrive
The English phrase "no matter what" can be translated into French as quoi qu'il arrive.
quoi qu'il arrive is used to express that something will occur under any circumstances or whatever happens.
Meaning: under any circumstances, whatever happens (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quoi (what), que (that or even if) and il arrive (it happens or it arrives).
Which one should you use?
While quoi qu'il arrive is a standard way to say "no matter what happens," you can also use peu importe ce qui arrive, which is a common alternative that uses the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the expression Quoi qu'il en advienne is used to convey the notion of "no matter what may happen".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the subjunctive mood in arrive because it expresses an uncertainty or a hypothetical situation.
Did you know?
- While quoi qu'il arrive sounds like a single phrase, the quoi part can stand alone as a slangy, indignant way to say 'What?!' when someone says something shocking.
- If you use quoi qu'il arrive in a song or a romantic poem, it often carries a connotation of eternal loyalty that is stronger than the English 'no matter what'.
- The word quoi is a distant relative of the English word 'what', both originating from the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root.
Examples in context
- Quoi qu'il arrive, je serai là.No matter what, I'll be there.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase quoi qu'il arrive at the beginning of a sentence.Tatoeba #10504654 by lbdx, translation #10491865 by CK
- Quoi qu'il arrive, je te soutiendrai.No matter what happens, I'll support you.This sentence shows how to use quoi qu'il arrive to express support.Tatoeba #841726 by sacredceltic, translation #3748312 by AlanF_US
- Je serai à tes côtés quoi qu'il arrive.I'll be by your side no matter what.This sentence demonstrates how to place quoi qu'il arrive at the end of a sentence.Tatoeba #352939 by Barbiche0, translation #6302319 by OsoHombre
- Quoi qu'il en soit, je suis prêt à trouver une solution.No matter what, I am ready to find a solution.
- Peu importe ce qu'il se passe, nous devons rester concentrés.No matter what happens, we need to stay focused.
- Quoi qu'il en advienne, je suivrai mes rêves.No matter what may happen, I will follow my dreams.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing a difficult upcoming journey.
- HugoOn doit partir demain, quoi qu'il arrive.We must leave tomorrow, no matter what happens.
- LéaMême s'il neige, Hugo ?Even if it snows, Hugo?
- HugoOui, quoi qu'il arrive, je conduirai.Yes, no matter what happens, I will drive.
- LéaD'accord, je suis prête.Okay, I am ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no matter what” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries quoi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
