What does c’est la vie mean in French?

C’est la vie literally means “that’s life.” It’s used to express acceptance when something doesn’t go as planned.

How do you pronounce c’est la vie?

It’s pronounced /sɛ la vi/, similar to “seh lah vee.”

Is c’est la vie used in French the same way as in English?

Yes, French speakers use it much like English speakers do — to shrug off a small disappointment or inconvenience.

Is c’est la vie formal or informal?

It’s generally informal and most often used in spoken conversation among friends or family.

What can I say instead of c’est la vie?

Alternatives include tant pis, c’est comme ça, or on n’y peut rien, depending on the situation.

C'est la vie — Meaning, Pronunciation, and Examples in French

See also:
👉 Vis-à-vis (in relation to) »
👉 Rendez-vous (meeting, appointment) »

Level A1 (Beginner)

🎧 Audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a native speaker & professional voice artist from France

The French Word of the Day is c’est la vie — a classic expression meaning “that’s life”. This is arguably the biggest Gallicism, a French phrase borrowed directly into English. In this lesson, you’ll see exactly how the French use c’est la vie naturally in everyday conversation.

✅ Meaning
✅ Pronunciation
✅ Example sentences
✅ Related Words & Expressions

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French Word of the Day – C'est la vie – That's life

📘 C’est la vie meaning

C’est la vie is a French expression meaning “that’s life” or “such is life”. It’s used when something disappointing happens and you simply accept it rather than complain. Just like in English, French speakers say it with a shrug to express mild resignation — a way of saying “that’s the way it is”.

🎧 C’est la vie pronunciation

👉 The pronunciation of c’est la vie is /sɛ la vi/ — roughly “seh lah vee”.

📝 French and English example sentences

Il a encore oublié mon anniversaire… c’est la vie.
He forgot my birthday again… that’s life.

J’ai raté le bus… c’est la vie.
I missed the bus… that’s life.

Ma voiture est en panne… c’est la vie.
My car broke down… that’s life.

On ne peut pas toujours gagner… c’est la vie.
You can’t always win… that’s life.

👉 See also: “Tant pis !” — Related expression meaning “oh well!” »

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tant pis — too bad / oh well
c’est comme ça — that’s how it is
on n’y peut rien — there’s nothing we can do about it
ainsi va la vie — such is life
c’est le destin — it’s fate
c’est pas la fin du monde — it’s not the end of the world

🤔 Related Word of the Day lesson

👉 la vie (life) »

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David Issokson is the founder of FrenchLearner.com, where he’s been helping students master French through vocabulary, grammar, and cultural lessons since 2012.

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