Expert: Maria - 6/2/2010

Question
I would like the Latin translation of "come what may", if possible. I want to engrave it on a gift for my fiance. I have searched online, but have found too many different answers, and i do not trust translation sites, where you just type in the word and a computer translates it.

please and thanks!

Answer
Hello,

The correct Latin translation of “Come what may"  is “Quidquid accidit” or “Quidquid fieri potest”, literally meaning “Whatever happens” or “Whatever may come” respectively,  just in the sense that “nothing will stop or distract you, no matter how hard or difficult it becomes”.

So, as you want to engrave it on a gift for your fiancé, the phrases “Quidquid accidit” or “Quidquid fieri potest” refer to your love which will never cease, “come what may”.

Best regards,
Maria

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Note that:
-QUIDQUID (nominative neuter)= whatever
-ACCIDIT (3rd.person singular, present indicative of ACCIDO) = happens
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-QUIDQUID (nominative neuter)= whatever
-FIERI (infinitive of FIO)= come
-POTEST (3rd.person singular, present indicative of POSSUM)= may