n’était qu’

was only

→ ne

phrase Rare #45,729

was only This is a negative restriction: it means “was just” or “was nothing but.” It is usually followed by a noun starting with a vowel sound, such as une or un.

FR: Ce n’était qu’un petit problème.

EN: It was only a small problem.

Ce n’était qu’un baiser sur la joue.

It was just a kiss on the cheek.

Cette terre n’était qu’une vaste étendue de poussière.

This land was nothing but a vast expanse of dust.

— The Salt of the Earth (2014)

Le rêve américain n’était qu’un rêve.

The American dream was just a dream.

Je croyais que le spectacle n’était qu’à midi passé.

I thought the show wasn't until after noon.

— The Shadow's Edge (2025)