C'est la vie, n'est-ce pas?
That's life, isn't it?
Language note: Expresses a shared understanding or resignation.
Context: You respond to their relationship status with an expression about life.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
C'
[se]
It's
It is a contraction meaning 'it is'.
C'est une belle journée.
It's a beautiful day.
est
[ɛ]
is
Third person singular of 'to be'.
Le livre est sur la table.
The book is on the table.
la
[la]
the
Definite article, feminine singular.
La voiture est rouge.
The car is red.
vie
[vi]
life
The existence of an individual human being.
La vie est belle.
Life is beautiful.
n'
[n]
not
A contraction meaning 'is not'.
N'est-ce pas incroyable?
Isn't it amazing?
est
[ɛ]
is
Third person singular of 'to be'.
Le livre est sur la table.
The book is on the table.
-ce
[sə]
it
Used to refer to a thing previously mentioned.
C'est-ce que j'ai entendu.
That's what I heard.
pas
[pa]
not
Used to make a negative sentence.
Il ne pleut pas.
It is not raining.
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