Que Sera Sera – A Universal Expression of Fate (2024)

Qué será, será means what will be, will be. This timeless phrase is usually associated with a sense of acceptance of fate, and it has woven its way into various cultures and languages.

Idioms, such as qué será, será, are expressions with no literal intent behind them. And even though this one is a Spanish loan phrase, it’s essential to the English language because it offers a deeper way to communicate what one is feeling at the moment.

My quick but detailed article covers the deeper meaning of qué será, será, its literal and figurative implications, its origin, and the ways it enriches language and expression with fun alternatives. By the end, you’ll be confident in using this idiom. So, let’s get started!

Que Sera Sera – A Universal Expression of Fate (1)

What Does the Idiom Qué Será, Será Mean?

The idiom qué será, será means what will be, will be. It’s also how most major online dictionaries define it. So, it’s a straightforward phrase in any sense.

It’s an expression that represents a philosophical acceptance of the future’s unpredictability and suggests that the future isn’t ours to see and that some aspects of life are beyond our control.

As a parent of two pre-teens, I know the sentiment behind the expression very well! Sometimes, you just have to accept fate and understand that you can’t control everything and cannot determine the future. You just have to roll with the punches and let things play out.

Proper Spelling and Punctuation for the Phrase

When writing the idiom, it should appear as qué será, será with accents over the last letters in each word and a comma separating both serás. In some informal settings, you might find it written as que sera sera, and that’s fine, too. But for anything formal or professional, always use the correct spelling and punctuation.

Variations of the Idiom

These variations, while slightly different in wording, carry the same essence of accepting the inevitable.

  • Che sarà sarà
  • Qui sera sera

How Is Qué Será, Será Commonly Used in Context?

This idiom is used in many contexts, reflecting resignation, acceptance, or sometimes optimism about the future. But it can also make light of a darker situation.

In the following sections, we will explore the different ways this idiom is employed, discover examples that showcase its usage, and provide tips for using it effectively in various contexts.

What Are the Different Ways to Use Qué Será, Será?

  • Acceptance of fate: After interviews, Raven adopted a “qué será, será” attitude, accepting the outcome was beyond her control.
  • Decision-making: Faced with job offers, Bellamy embraced “qué será, será” to guide his decision, trusting whatever will be.
  • Resignation to uncertainty: Approaching the exam, Clarke maintained a “qué será, será” mindset, acknowledging uncertainty.
  • Facing challenges: Confronting project hurdles, Monty encouraged his team with a “qué será, será” approach, focusing on solutions.
  • Navigating relationships: In matters of the heart, Emori said, “Qué será, será,” letting destiny unfold in a new romantic journey.

What Are Some Tips for Using Qué Será, Será Effectively?

  • Use it to convey comfort or acceptance in uncertain situations.
  • It’s a great phrase to express philosophical thoughts on fate and destiny.
  • Avoid using it in situations where action and decision-making are crucial.

Where Can You Find Examples of Qué Será, Será?

The phrase gained widespread popularity from Alfred Hitchcock’s film The Man Who Knew Too Much, symbolizing the unpredictability of events. The movie featured the popular song titled “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be),” sung by the lovely Doris Day.

It’s also used in online publications, including:

“If you just accept people dying, then it’s a ‘que sera sera’ situation, it’s a very fatalistic view that you cannot interfere.” (The Christian Science Monitor)

Her caption, ‘Que sera, sera,’ which means ‘whatever will be, will be,’ can be seen as a message of positivity amid the COVID-19 scare. (Republic World)

What Is the Origin of the Idiom Qué Será, Será?

The idiom qué será, será was popularized in the 1950s when Doris Day, an American actress and singer, sang the song “Que Sera Sera” in an Alfred Hitchcock movie called The Man Who Knew Too Much. But it was originally written by a team consisting of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, and the iconic film went on to win an Oscar in 1956.

Though the idiom has a Spanish spelling, it was actually inspired by a family motto inscribed in the tomb of the English Earl of Bedford in the 1500s, supposedly from the Italian: che sarà sarà. The spelling of the expression qué será, será was nonexistent prior to the popularity of the Doris Day song.

How Did the Idiom Evolve Over Time?

Over time, the phrase qué será, será has transcended its literal Spanish roots to become a universally understood expression of accepting fate.

What Are Some Related Terms to Qué Será, Será?

When we learn alternatives to a word or phrase, we understand it much better. Here are a few phrases you can use instead of qué será, será.

Que Sera Sera – A Universal Expression of Fate (2)

Synonyms

  • Let it be
  • Fate is fate
  • Roll with the punches
  • Just roll with it
  • Accept your fate
  • In the hands of fate
  • It is what it is

Antonyms

  • Master of my fate
  • Carpe diem (seize the day)

Que Sera Sera: Test Your Knowledge!

Choose the correct answer.

What Have We Learned About Qué Será, Será?

Qué será, será is more than just a phrase; it’s a reflection of life’s unpredictability and our response to it. This idiom reminds us of the power of acceptance and the serenity of acknowledging what we cannot change.

We covered everything from its true meaning to its origin and even some variations and alternative phrases. Explore more idioms and their intriguing meanings in our other guides and articles!

Que Sera Sera – A Universal Expression of Fate (2024)

FAQs

What is the significance of Que Sera Sera? ›

The translation is closest to Spanish, but it really is Italian in origin. The phrase became a major part of the lexicon when Doris Day had a big hit with the song 'Que Sera, Sera'. 'Whatever will be, will be' means that the future is up in the air, and whatever is going to happen, is going to happen.

What is the full saying of Que Sera Sera? ›

it should be “Lo que sera, sera”, which means: whatever it is, is; or whatever happens, happens. It's like saying “ it is what it is”. Or more accurately, actually “whatever will be, will be “ in future tense.

What is the philosophy of Que Sera Sera? ›

Whatever can be, must be. A simple philosophy, but one with profound human implications, if true. It means, for instance, that we are not the be all and end all of creation, because certainly we are not the most complex or intelligent lifeforms consistent with the laws of nature.

What does "que sera sera" mean in LGBT? ›

If someone told you they were gay would you respond with “Quiero tacos”? Que sera sera (What will be, will be) is a response to something that might be a problem. It's a response when wondering or worrying about what will happen in the future.

What does Que Sera Sera mean in the Bible? ›

Que Sera, Sera, Whatever will be, will be. The future's not ours, to see. Que Sera, Sera ..." The Bible plainly teaches the future is certainly ours to do with it as we chose , with respect to good versus evil. For you see, from the beginning of civilization, God has given man the free choice for life.

What is que sera sera in one word? ›

Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)

What is the response to "que sera sera"? ›

In the lyrics a young girl asks her mother about her future and whether she will be pretty or rich. “Que sera, sera…” her mother replies, “…the future's not ours to see… whatever will be, will be.”

What is the metaphysical meaning of Que Sera? ›

Que Sera Stone is closely connected with the Heart Chakra, which governs love, compassion, and emotional well-being. Individuals can activate and balance their Heart Chakra, enabling them to experience deeper connections with others, foster empathy, and heal emotional blockages.

What is que sera sera fatalism? ›

The phrase “Que sera sera” (rarely with accent marks in English), translated as “What(ever) will be will be,” has been adopted by many English-speakers as an expression of cheerful fatalism. Rather than connoting despair, it typically offers relief from worry about future events beyond human control.

What is the motto of Que Sera Sera? ›

Back in the 16th century some crests held a motto ours doned the words “Che sera sera” (Italian form) translated in Spanish Que Sera Sera to: “Whatever will be, will be.” The expression is explained as follows: “Used to express a personal philosophy of fatalism and acceptance of the future.

What is the Que Sera Sera attitude? ›

Que Sera Sera, an Italian origin phrase, means “Whatever will be, will be”. So why go nutty on things which are or aren't under your control but what has to happen, will.

What is que sera sera in Greek? ›

Que sera sera.
Κύριες μεταφράσεις
ΑγγλικάΕλληνικά
Que sera sera., Che sera sera. interjinformal (What will be, will be.)Ό,τι είναι να γίνει, θα γίνει. έκφρ
I did the best I could in the exam and now there's nothing else I can do - que sera sera.

What does Sera translate to? ›

“será” with accent mark corresponds to the third person singular of the future indicative of the semiauxiliary verb 'to be'. In Costa Rica we use “será” as an answer such as “might be” or “ok I guess” when you are not really convinced of the situation to express resignation or agreement.

What is the meaning of Sera in the Bible? ›

What does Sera mean? Form of Sarah, a biblical name, meaning "princess" in Hebrew.

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