Advienne que pourra
/ad.vjɛn kə pu.ʁa/
To say what will be, will be in French, use Advienne que pourra.
Advienne que pourra expresses calm acceptance that you cannot control what comes next. People say it after making a decision whose outcome is uncertain.
What does it mean word for word?
Advienne is a subjunctive form of the verb meaning to happen, que means what and pourra means will be able to. Word for word it is close to let happen what may.
How do you pronounce it?
Advienne que pourra is said /ad.vjɛn kə pu.ʁa/. The r in pourra is the French r made at the back of the throat.
Did you know?
- While Advienne que pourra is the standard phrase, English speakers may recognize the song 'Que Sera, Sera'. That phrase is actually Spanish, not French, though the two languages are closely related.
- The verb advenir is a rare relative of the common verb venir, meaning 'to come'. While venir describes a person arriving, advenir describes an event occurring.
- In modern spoken French, the subjunctive form advienne is rarely used outside of fixed idioms like this one. Using it in a casual conversation would sound highly literary or archaic.
Examples in context
- J'ai tout fait, advienne que pourra.I have done everything, what will be, will be.
- On lance le projet, advienne que pourra.We are launching the project, whatever happens, happens.
- Advienne que pourra, je ne regrette rien.What will be, will be, I regret nothing.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are discussing a risky decision at work.
- ManonC'est risqué, mais on doit essayer.It is risky, but we must try.
- NathanTu n'as pas peur de l'échec ?Aren't you afraid of failure?
- ManonNon, advienne que pourra.No, what will be, will be.
- NathanTu as raison, Manon.You are right, Manon.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry advienne que pourra.
