“Que Sera Sera” Meaning, Origin and Examples

The phrase “que sera sera” captures the imagination with its rich history and lasting appeal. This reference guides you through its meaning and origin, offering insights into how it evolved from a 16th-century motto in Spain and Italy. Its compelling message reflects acceptance and the role of fate in shaping the future.

You will explore how “que será, será” has become a source of comfort, reminding you that not everything is within your grasp. This perennial wisdom encourages a balanced outlook on life by letting go of excessive worry and trusting in fate, resonating with people of all backgrounds and cultures. With examples and related terms, you will gain a fuller picture of its significance today.

Que Sera Sera Meaning and Origin

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “que será, será” originated in the 16th century as a heraldic motto
  • Its meaning, “what will be, will be,” is a reminder of the power of fate
  • The phrase remains popular and relevant across cultures and contexts today
Que Sera Sera Meaning
Que Sera Sera Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does “Que Sera Sera” Mean?

The phrase “Que será, será” is a popular Spanish expression that translates to “what will be, will be” in English. The essence of this phrase lies in the idea of embracing the unpredictability of the future and accepting that certain things are out of our control. Derived from the Spanish words “que” (what) and “será” (will be), the phrase reflects a sense of fatalism, where the future is considered to be in the hands of fate.

Interestingly, the expression has a similar version in Italian, “che sarà, sarà.” While both the Spanish and Italian phrases share a common meaning, they emerge from distinct cultural contexts. The shared meaning suggests a universal sentiment towards the unpredictability of life and the acceptance of circumstances beyond our control.

The popularity of the phrase is primarily attributed to the song “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” by Doris Day. The song presents three stages of life, in which the protagonist questions the essence of their future at different points in time. The song’s message resonates with many, as it encourages listeners to let go of their worries about the future and embrace the inevitability of fate.

In linguistic context, dictionaries often include this phrase to demonstrate its widespread usage and meaning in both Spanish and English-speaking cultures. As a proverb, it serves as a reminder of the importance of living in the present and not becoming overly preoccupied with future concerns.

Origin and Context of Que Sera Sera

The phrase gained popularity and became widely known thanks to a song titled “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” by American actress and singer Doris Day. Written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, the song was initially featured in the 1956 film “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Doris Day played one of the main characters in the movie, adding to the song’s fame.

Although the phrase’s spelling seems to be based on the Spanish language (“que será, será”), it is believed to have originated as an English heraldic motto in the 16th century. Similarly, an Italian-like form “che sarà sarà” can also be found during the same period. The phrase was later adopted in various contexts and languages, including its use by Doris Day and the Oscar-winning songwriters Jay Livingston and Ray Evans.

Related Terms to “Que Sera Sera”

The phrase “que sera sera” is often used to express the idea of accepting fate and not worrying about what the future holds. There are some related terms in other languages that convey similar meanings:

  • Fate: The concept of an inevitable and predetermined course of events that control people’s lives. It is used across cultures and often appears in different forms such as destiny, kismet, or serendipity.
  • “Che sarà, sarà”: An Italian version of the phrase, also meaning “what will be, will be.”
  • “Whatever will be, will be”: This English translation of “que sera sera” conveys the same sentiment of acceptance of fate and is used interchangeably with the original phrase.

These terms and phrases share the central theme of fate and how it shapes one’s life, reflecting a worldview that embraces an uncertain future and the serendipity of what is yet to come.

“Que Sera Sera” Examples

The phrase “que sera sera” is often used in casual conversations, texts, and social media posts to convey a sense of acceptance for things that are uncertain or out of one’s control. In these examples, you’ll see how this phrase can be easily incorporated into various situations and platforms to illustrate that whatever will be, will be.

In a conversation between friends:

  • Person A: I’m so nervous about my final exam tomorrow! If I fail, I won’t pass the class.
  • Person B: Just relax and give your best. You’ve studied hard and done everything you can. Que sera sera.

On a social media post about an upcoming job interview:

  • User: “Big day tomorrow, interviewing for my dream job! Fingers crossed, but que sera sera. 🤞 #nervous #jobinterview”

In a text conversation after a breakup:

  • Person A: I can’t believe we broke up. I thought we were perfect for each other.
  • Person B: I know it’s hard, but remember, que sera sera. You’ll find someone who’s an even better match for you.

In a tweet about a sports match:

  • User: “Excited for the big game today! 🤩 Hoping my team will win, but que sera sera. 🤞🏆 #sports #gameday”

The phrase “que sera sera” can serve as a comforting and relatable way to express that, despite our best efforts, the outcomes of certain events are beyond our control. By embracing this mindset, one can learn to accept and adapt to life’s inevitable ups and downs while keeping a positive perspective.

Related Spanish terms:

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