c'est la vie
c'est la vie is the French way to say "this is life".
This expression is used to express resignation or acceptance when something goes wrong and cannot be changed. It is often used with a shrug to indicate that a situation is unavoidable.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of c'est (it is), la (the) and vie (life).
Did you know?
- While English speakers use c'est la vie as a common idiom, French speakers use it much less frequently, often preferring the phrase c'est comme ça to express the same resignation.
- The word vie shares an ancient linguistic ancestor with the English word 'way', as both can be traced back to the Latin root for a path or a route.
- Although it sounds like a profound philosophical statement, the phrase is frequently used in very trivial or minor contexts, such as when a baker runs out of a specific pastry.
Examples in context
- C'est la vie !This is life!This example shows the exclamation of the phrase.Tatoeba #486231 by sacredceltic, translation #271727 by CK
- Ça, c'est la vie à cent à l'heure !This is life in the fast lane!This sentence uses c'est la vie to describe life in the fast lane.Tatoeba #605841 by qdii, translation #605839 by qdii
- C'est la vie.This is life.This is a standard way to state the phrase.Tatoeba #638734 by Salutlolo, translation #9419669 by BobbyLee
- C'est la vie trépidante d'un homme d'affaires.This is the busy life of a businessman.
- Telle est la vie dans notre société moderne.Such is life in our modern society.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing a lost promotion at work.
- GabrielJ'ai raté ma promotion, c'est vraiment triste.I missed my promotion, it's really sad.
- ManonJe comprends, mais c'est la vie.I understand, but that's life.
- GabrielTu as raison, je dois passer à autre chose.You are right, I have to move on.
- ManonOui, ne sois pas trop dur avec toi-même.Yes, don't be too hard on yourself.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, c'est la vie, la, vie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
