c'est la vie
4 synonyms for c'est la vie, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Phrase — Said to accept a disappointment calmly, on the basis that setbacks are simply part of life.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
that's life
such is life
that's how it goes
oh well
How to use c'est la vie
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
but c'est la vie
well, c'est la vie
shrug and say c'est la vie
Conversational and mildly world-weary; usually placed at the end of a sentence or used on its own as a resigned reply.
Etymology
A French phrase meaning literally that is the life, used in English in its original form.
Full origin of c'est la vie →Frequently asked questions
What does c'est la vie mean literally?
Literally it means that is the life in French. In practice it functions like the English that's life, used to shrug off a misfortune you cannot change.
What is the difference between c'est la vie and que sera sera?
C'est la vie accepts something that has already gone wrong. Que sera sera, which is Spanish-flavoured rather than French, looks forward and means whatever will be, will be.
Is it rude to say c'est la vie to someone who is upset?
It can be. Because the phrase dismisses the problem as unavoidable, saying it about another person's misfortune may sound uncaring. It is safest used about your own bad luck.
