Ce La Vie Meaning: Common Misspelling Explained

You've probably seen "ce la vie" written somewhere—but what does it mean? And is it spelled correctly? Here's the explanation.

The Correct Spelling

"Ce la vie" is actually a common misspelling of the French phrase "C'est la vie" (pronounced "say la vee").

What It Really Means

The correct phrase, "C'est la vie", means:

• "That's life" or "Such is life" in English
• Expresses acceptance of life's unpredictable situations
• A philosophical shrug at life's ups and downs

Why the Misspelling Happens

Common Mistakes

• "Ce la vie" — Missing the apostrophe
• "Se la vie" — Missing the apostrophe and "c"
• "Say la vie" — Phonetic spelling

The Correct Components

• C'est = It is / That is (with apostrophe)
• la vie = life
• Together: "C'est la vie" = "That's life"

When to Use It

Appropriate Situations

• Accepting minor disappointments
• Philosophical acceptance of circumstances
• Casual, resigned acknowledgment
• Example: "I missed the bus. C'est la vie!"

When Not to Use It

• Serious tragedies (too flippant)
• Formal situations (too casual)
• When someone needs sympathy (too dismissive)

Examples

Correct Usage

• "I lost my keys again. C'est la vie!"
• "The restaurant was closed. C'est la vie, we'll find another."

Tone

"C'est la vie" has a resigned, accepting tone. It's not complaining—it's acknowledging that life has ups and downs.

Learn French Phrases Correctly

The best way to learn French phrases is through real conversation practice. Learn correct spellings, understand context, and develop a feel for when phrases feel natural. Try Parlai and practice French through authentic conversations, learning expressions like "C'est la vie" in context.