phrase
c'est la vie
say lah VEE
C'est la vie (phrase) means Said to accept a disappointment calmly, on the basis that setbacks are simply part of life. Example: “The flight was cancelled and we lost the deposit, but c'est la vie.”
phrase
1
informal Said to accept a disappointment calmly, on the basis that setbacks are simply part of life.
"The flight was cancelled and we lost the deposit, but c'est la vie."
"He shrugged and said c'est la vie when the promotion went to someone else."
How to use c'est la vie
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA way of saying that's life when something goes wrong.
When to use it
Conversational and mildly world-weary; usually placed at the end of a sentence or used on its own as a resigned reply.
Memory tip
Keep the apostrophe in c'est; writing cest la vie is a spelling mistake.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
but c'est la vie
well, c'est la vie
shrug and say c'est la vie
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like c'est la vie.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The flight was cancelled and we lost the deposit, but _____.
Etymology
A French phrase meaning literally that is the life, used in English in its original form.
Synonyms
View more →
that's life
such is life
that's how it goes
oh well
Related words
Rhymes for c'est la vie
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of c'est la vie?
"c'est la vie" (phrase) means said to accept a disappointment calmly, on the basis that setbacks are simply part of life.
