chi vivrà vedrà
Lemma: chi vivrà vedrà
Translation: time will tell; we'll see what happens; he who lives will see (proverb)
Etymology: This Italian proverb literally translates to 'who will live will see' and is constructed from the future tense of two verbs: 'vivere' (to live) and 'vedere' (to see). The structure follows a common pattern in Italian proverbial expressions where the future tense is used to express inevitability. The rhyming pattern (vivrà/vedrà) is typical of many Italian proverbs, making them more memorable.
Example Usage
Non sappiamo se questo nuovo governo avrà successo. Chi vivrà vedrà.
We don't know if this new government will be successful. Time will tell.
Pensi che vinceranno le elezioni? Chi vivrà vedrà.
Do you think they'll win the elections? We'll see what happens.
Non sono sicuro se questo investimento darà buoni risultati, ma chi vivrà vedrà.
I'm not sure if this investment will yield good results, but time will tell.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'chi vivrà' (who will live) as 'whoever survives' and 'vedrà' as 'will see the verdict' - those who stick around will witness how things turn out.
- The rhyming pattern vivrà/vedrà makes it musical and easier to remember.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This proverb is commonly used in Italian culture when discussing uncertain future outcomes. It expresses a philosophical attitude toward life's uncertainties, suggesting that only by living through events will one discover their true nature. It reflects the Italian cultural tendency to accept that some things cannot be predicted and must simply unfold with time.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'chi vivrà vedrà' refers to future revelations that will come with time, 'vivi e impara' (live and learn) refers to gaining wisdom through life experiences.
Notes: Both expressions involve the passage of time, but 'chi vivrà vedrà' is more passive (waiting to see what happens) while 'vivi e impara' is more active (gaining wisdom through experience).
Mnemonic: 'Vedrà' (will see) points to future revelation; 'impara' (learn) points to gaining knowledge from experience.