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!
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 Hitchco*ck’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 Hitchco*ck 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.
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!
