advienne que pourra
/ad.vjɛn kə pu.ʁa/
The English phrase "que sera sera" is expressed in French as advienne que pourra.
advienne que pourra is used to express a sense of resignation or determination to face the consequences of a decision, regardless of the outcome. It conveys the idea of accepting whatever the future holds.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "whatever may happen, may it be able to (happen)".
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often use the Spanish-derived "que sera sera" to express fatalism, the idiomatic French equivalent is advienne que pourra.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the subjunctive mood ('advienne') to express uncertainty and the future tense ('pourra') to express the outcome.
How do you pronounce it?
/ad.vjɛn kə pu.ʁa/
Did you know?
- The word advienne in advienne que pourra is a rare form of the verb advenir, which is almost exclusively used in the third person and formal contexts.
- Although English speakers use the Spanish-sounding 'que sera sera', using that exact phrase in France would sound like you are quoting a song rather than using a natural French idiom.
- The word que in this phrase is a doublet of quoi, meaning they share the same origin but evolved different sounds because quoi is used for emphasis.
Examples in context
- On verra bien, advienne que pourra.We will see, whatever happens, happens.
- J'ai fait mon choix, advienne que pourra.I have made my choice, let come what may.
- C'est décidé, advienne que pourra.It is decided, whatever happens will happen.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are discussing a risky career change.
- ManonJe vais démissionner demain, advienne que pourra.I am going to resign tomorrow, whatever happens, happens.
- NathanEs-tu sûre de vouloir prendre ce risque ?Are you sure you want to take this risk?
- ManonOui, je me sens prête.Yes, I feel ready.
- NathanAlors je te soutiens, Manon.Then I support you, Manon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry advienne que pourra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
