che sara sara

See also: che sarà, sarà

English

Alternative forms

• che sera sera, que sera sera

Etymology

First constructed in the 16th century for English heraldic mottos, and notably quoted as che sera sera by Christopher Marlowe in his 1604 play Doctor Faustus (Act 1, Scene 1). From standard Italian quel che sarà, sarà (“what will be, will be”), ignoring the correct spelling and grammar (according to which a pronoun such as quel, quello or ciò is compulsorily needed at the very beginning of the sentence).
Popularized by the 1956 song “Que Sera, Sera”, which adopted a Spanish-like spelling.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkeɪ səˌɹɑː səˈɹɑː/
• Rhymes: -ɑː

Phrase

che sara sara

1. Used to express a personal philosophy of fatalism and acceptance of the future.

   Synonyms: whatever happens, happens; whatever will be, will be

   • 1892 March 17, Cigarette, “Giant Discontent”, in Otago Witness:

     All serve to show that all things are possible to us, provided we are not content to fold our bands and cry with the fatalists “Che Sara Sara”.

   • 1910 January 31, Evening Post:

     Is it a phase of old world fatalism that prompts the Englishman to breathe “Che sara sara,” don the colours of the side he thinks will win instead of that he wishes to, and be cheerful?

Descendants

• → Italian: che sarà, sarà