Learning how to say “only” in French can be very useful. It helps in many everyday situations, like telling someone you have just one thing or asking for a specific item. French is a beautiful language, and knowing how to use simple words like “only” can help you sound more natural and confident.
In French, there are different ways to express “only,” depending on the situation. Some are used for things you want to limit, while others can show that something is exclusive. Understanding these different ways can help you become better at speaking French and improve your communication skills. Let’s explore how to say “only” in French!
Ways to Say “Only” in French
In French, there are several ways to say “only,” depending on the context. Some of these expressions are used when you want to limit something, while others can emphasize exclusivity or a specific choice. Let’s look at different ways to say “only” in French and how they are used in sentences.
1. Seulement
Pronunciation: /suh-muh(n)/
Meaning: Only; just. Used to refer to a limit or to emphasize that something is the case and nothing more.
In a Sentence:
- J’ai seulement deux dollars. (I only have two dollars.)
- Il veut seulement de l’eau. (He only wants water.)
2. Uniquement
Pronunciation: /uni-kmah(n)/
Meaning: Exclusively; solely. This is often used for formal contexts or to emphasize exclusivity.
In a Sentence:
- Ce produit est uniquement disponible en ligne. (This product is only available online.)
- Nous travaillons uniquement avec des entreprises locales. (We work only with local businesses.)
3. Rien que
Pronunciation: /ree-eh(n) kuh/
Meaning: Nothing but; just. This phrase is often used when you want to express something is just one thing and nothing else.
In a Sentence:
- Elle mange rien que des légumes. (She eats only vegetables.)
- Nous avons rien que deux heures pour finir. (We have only two hours to finish.)
4. Que
Pronunciation: /kuh/
Meaning: Only (in a more casual context). This can be used in everyday conversation, especially when limiting or restricting something.
In a Sentence:
- Il est que quatre heures. (It’s only four o’clock.)
- Je n’ai que des fruits. (I have only fruits.)
5. Exclusivement
Pronunciation: /ex-kloo-ziv-ma(n)t/
Meaning: Exclusively; only. This is used when you want to highlight something that is limited to one specific thing or group.
In a Sentence:
- Cette offre est exclusivement pour les membres. (This offer is exclusively for members.)
- Il est exclusivement responsable de ce projet. (He is exclusively responsible for this project.)
6. Seulement que
Pronunciation: /suh-muh(n) kuh/
Meaning: Only that. This phrase adds a sense of limitation or restriction, often used for emphasis.
In a Sentence:
- J’ai seulement que des billets. (I only have tickets.)
- Il a seulement que 5 minutes. (He only has 5 minutes.)
7. Juste
Pronunciation: /zhyst/
Meaning: Just; only. This is used in a more casual or everyday sense, similar to “just” in English.
In a Sentence:
- C’est juste un cadeau. (It’s just a gift.)
- Je veux juste une tasse de café. (I just want a cup of coffee.)
8. Que…seulement
Pronunciation: /kuh…suh-muh(n)/
Meaning: Only that. It is a more emphatic way to express limitation.
In a Sentence:
- Il a que seulement 10 minutes. (He only has 10 minutes.)
- Elle a que seulement un livre. (She only has one book.)
9. Limité à
Pronunciation: /lee-mee-tay ah/
Meaning: Limited to. This phrase emphasizes that something is restricted to a certain amount or group.
In a Sentence:
- Ce service est limité à 50 personnes. (This service is limited to 50 people.)
- L’entrée est limitée à un billet par personne. (Entry is limited to one ticket per person.)
10. Uniquement que
Pronunciation: /uni-kmah(n) kuh/
Meaning: Only that; exclusively that. A more formal way of saying “only” and emphasizing exclusivity.
In a Sentence:
- Ce produit est uniquement que pour les adultes. (This product is only for adults.)
- Il travaille uniquement que le matin. (He works only in the morning.)
11. Que…uniquement
Pronunciation: /kuh…uni-kmah(n)/
Meaning: Only; solely. This phrase emphasizes exclusivity or restriction, especially in formal contexts.
In a Sentence:
- Il a que uniquement un livre à lire. (He has only one book to read.)
- Ce film est que uniquement pour les adultes. (This movie is only for adults.)
12. Seulement pour
Pronunciation: /suh-muh(n) poor/
Meaning: Only for. This is used when something is restricted to a specific group or purpose.
In a Sentence:
- Cette offre est seulement pour les étudiants. (This offer is only for students.)
- Il y a des places seulement pour les membres. (There are seats only for members.)
13. Exclusivement pour
Pronunciation: /ex-kloo-ziv-ma(n) poor/
Meaning: Exclusively for. Used when something is available for a specific group or purpose, highlighting exclusivity.
In a Sentence:
- Cette zone est exclusivement pour les employés. (This area is exclusively for employees.)
- Les tickets sont exclusivement pour les invités. (The tickets are exclusively for the guests.)
14. Simplement
Pronunciation: /sim-pleh-ma(n)/
Meaning: Simply; just. This can also mean “only,” particularly when emphasizing simplicity.
In a Sentence:
- Il veut simplement une réponse. (He just wants an answer.)
- C’est simplement un petit problème. (It’s just a small problem.)
15. Uniquement pour
Pronunciation: /uni-kmah(n) poor/
Meaning: Only for. Similar to “seulement pour,” it highlights restriction to a specific purpose or group.
In a Sentence:
- Ce service est uniquement pour les membres premium. (This service is only for premium members.)
- Cette salle est uniquement pour les réunions. (This room is only for meetings.)
16. Que…seulement pour
Pronunciation: /kuh…suh-muh(n) poor/
Meaning: Only for. A combination of “que” and “seulement” to express limitation to a specific purpose.
In a Sentence:
- Cette réunion est que seulement pour les directeurs. (This meeting is only for the directors.)
- Ce produit est que seulement pour les adultes. (This product is only for adults.)
17. Quoique
Pronunciation: /kwahk/
Meaning: Although; only that (used with an element of contrast). It expresses something in contrast to expectations, while still being restrictive.
In a Sentence:
- Quoique petit, il est très puissant. (Although small, it is very powerful.)
- Quoique simple, ce cadeau me fait plaisir. (Although simple, this gift makes me happy.)
18. Juste pour
Pronunciation: /zhyst poor/
Meaning: Just for. This emphasizes something is solely for a specific use or person.
In a Sentence:
- Ce ticket est juste pour une personne. (This ticket is just for one person.)
- J’ai juste pour 10 minutes. (I have just 10 minutes.)
19. Que seul
Pronunciation: /kuh sool/
Meaning: Only alone. Used to describe something being by itself or without any additional elements.
In a Sentence:
- Ce document est que seul pour consultation. (This document is only for consultation.)
- Il a que seul un choix à faire. (He only has one choice to make.)
20. Juste que
Pronunciation: /zhyst kuh/
Meaning: Just that; only that. This is a simplified way of expressing restriction or limitation.
In a Sentence:
- Je veux juste que du chocolat. (I just want chocolate.)
- Elle a juste que trois enfants. (She only has three children.)
21. Limité uniquement
Pronunciation: /lee-mee-tay uni-kmah(n)/
Meaning: Limited exclusively. This highlights that something is restricted in a very specific way.
In a Sentence:
- L’accès à cette zone est limité uniquement aux employés. (Access to this area is limited exclusively to employees.)
- Cette promotion est limitée uniquement aux premiers 100 clients. (This promotion is limited exclusively to the first 100 customers.)
22. Juste un
Pronunciation: /zhyst uh(n)/
Meaning: Just one. A simple way of expressing that there is only one of something.
In a Sentence:
- Je veux juste un café. (I just want one coffee.)
- Elle a juste un petit sac. (She has just one small bag.)
23. En exclusivité
Pronunciation: /ah ex-kloo-zee-vee-tay/
Meaning: Exclusively. Used when something is available for a limited group, emphasizing exclusivity.
In a Sentence:
- Ce produit est en exclusivité pour nos membres. (This product is exclusively for our members.)
- L’offre est en exclusivité dans notre magasin. (The offer is exclusive to our store.)
24. Que seulement un
Pronunciation: /kuh suh-muh(n) uh(n)/
Meaning: Only one. This emphasizes the singular nature of something.
In a Sentence:
- Il a que seulement un billet. (He only has one ticket.)
- Je veux que seulement un hamburger. (I want only one hamburger.)
25. Juste de
Pronunciation: /zhyst duh/
Meaning: Just some. Used to refer to a limited amount of something.
In a Sentence:
- J’ai juste de l’eau. (I have just water.)
- Elle a juste de l’argent pour le bus. (She has just enough money for the bus.)
Other Ways to Say “Only” in French
Here are additional ways to say “only” in French. Each phrase has a slightly different nuance, so knowing when to use them will help you sound more natural when speaking. Check out the table below for more options and how to use them.
| Other ways to say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| Uniquement | /uni-kmah(n)/ | Exclusively; only | – Ce magasin vend exclusivement des vêtements. (This store sells only clothes.) |
| Rien que | /ree-eh(n) kuh/ | Nothing but; just | – J’ai rien que des livres à lire. (I have only books to read.) |
| Juste | /zhyst/ | Just; only | – Il est juste un enfant. (He is just a child.) |
| Que | /kuh/ | Only | – Il n’a que deux pommes. (He has only two apples.) |
| Seulement pour | /suh-muh(n) poor/ | Only for | – Cette offre est seulement pour les membres. (This offer is only for members.) |
| Simplement | /sim-pleh-ma(n)/ | Simply; just | – Il est simplement tard. (It is simply late.) |
| Exclusivement pour | /ex-kloo-ziv-ma(n) poor/ | Exclusively for | – Cette place est exclusivement pour les invités. (This seat is exclusively for guests.) |
| Que seul | /kuh sool/ | Only alone | – Elle est que seule dans cette ville. (She is only alone in this city.) |
| Juste pour | /zhyst poor/ | Just for | – Il a juste pour manger. (He has just enough to eat.) |
| Uniquement que | /uni-kmah(n) kuh/ | Only that; exclusively that | – Ce produit est uniquement que pour les adultes. (This product is only for adults.) |
| Que…seulement pour | /kuh…suh-muh(n) poor/ | Only for | – Il a que seulement pour une heure. (He only has an hour.) |
| Que…uniquement | /kuh…uni-kmah(n)/ | Only; exclusively | – Elle a que uniquement son portable. (She only has her phone.) |
| Limité à | /lee-mee-tay ah/ | Limited to | – Cette offre est limitée à 50 places. (This offer is limited to 50 seats.) |
| Juste de | /zhyst duh/ | Just some | – J’ai juste de la chance. (I just have some luck.) |
| Quoique | /kwahk/ | Although; only that | – Quoique petit, il est très puissant. (Although small, it is very powerful.) |
Response to “Only” in French
When someone says “only” in French, there are various ways you can respond. The response will depend on the context, whether you are agreeing, asking for clarification, or reacting to the limitation. Below are some common responses you might use when someone says “only” in French.
1. D’accord, c’est bon.
Pronunciation: /da-kohr, seh boh(n)/
Meaning: Okay, that’s fine. This is a simple and common response to show understanding or acceptance when someone says “only.”
In a Sentence:
- A: Je veux seulement un café. (I only want a coffee.)
- B: D’accord, c’est bon. (Okay, that’s fine.)
2. Ah, c’est tout ?
Pronunciation: /ah, seh too?/
Meaning: Oh, is that all? This response is used when you’re surprised by the limitation or if you’re asking if there is more to it.
In a Sentence:
- A: J’ai que cinq minutes. (I only have five minutes.)
- B: Ah, c’est tout ? (Oh, is that all?)
3. Juste ça ?
Pronunciation: /zhyst sah?/
Meaning: Just that? This is another way to express surprise when someone limits themselves to one thing or a small amount.
In a Sentence:
- A: Il a juste deux billets. (He only has two tickets.)
- B: Juste ça ? (Just that?)
4. C’est suffisant.
Pronunciation: /seh soo-fee-zah(n)/
Meaning: That’s enough. This response is used when you agree that what is being referred to is sufficient.
In a Sentence:
- A: Je n’ai que trois euros. (I only have three euros.)
- B: C’est suffisant. (That’s enough.)
5. Vraiment ?
Pronunciation: /vrah-mah(n)?/
Meaning: Really? This response can express disbelief or surprise about the limitation or situation.
In a Sentence:
- A: J’ai seulement un billet pour le concert. (I only have one ticket for the concert.)
- B: Vraiment ? (Really?)
6. Alors, pas de problème.
Pronunciation: /ah-lohr, pah duh proh-blehm/
Meaning: Then, no problem. This is a relaxed way to show that you’re okay with the limitation.
In a Sentence:
- A: Il n’a que trois jours de congé. (He only has three days off.)
- B: Alors, pas de problème. (Then, no problem.)
7. C’est tout ce que tu as ?
Pronunciation: /seh too suh kuh too ah?/
Meaning: Is that all you have? This response is often used when you’re surprised by how little someone has.
In a Sentence:
- A: J’ai que quelques pièces. (I only have a few coins.)
- B: C’est tout ce que tu as ? (Is that all you have?)
8. C’est assez.
Pronunciation: /seh ah-sey/
Meaning: That’s enough. Used when you agree that what has been mentioned is sufficient or enough for the situation.
In a Sentence:
- A: Il n’a que deux heures. (He only has two hours.)
- B: C’est assez. (That’s enough.)
9. Mais ça suffit !
Pronunciation: /meh sah soo-fee/
Meaning: But that’s enough! This response is often used when someone is emphasizing that something is sufficient or when you’re getting impatient with a limited choice.
In a Sentence:
- A: Il a que cinq minutes. (He only has five minutes.)
- B: Mais ça suffit ! (But that’s enough!)
10. Ok, je comprends.
Pronunciation: /oh-kay, juh kohm-prah(n)/
Meaning: Okay, I understand. A calm and understanding response when you want to show you grasp the limitation or the fact that something is only available in limited quantity.
In a Sentence:
- A: Je veux juste un sandwich. (I just want a sandwich.)
- B: Ok, je comprends. (Okay, I understand.)
11. Ah, c’est limité.
Pronunciation: /ah, seh lee-mee-tay/
Meaning: Oh, it’s limited. This response is used when you understand that something is restricted or in limited supply.
In a Sentence:
- A: Il y a seulement trois places disponibles. (There are only three places available.)
- B: Ah, c’est limité. (Oh, it’s limited.)
12. C’est juste ce qu’il faut.
Pronunciation: /seh zhyst suh keel foh/
Meaning: It’s just what is needed. A way to agree that what is provided is enough or exactly what is necessary.
In a Sentence:
- A: Je veux juste une petite pause. (I just want a short break.)
- B: C’est juste ce qu’il faut. (It’s just what is needed.)
13. Ah, je vois.
Pronunciation: /ah, juh vwah/
Meaning: Oh, I see. This is a neutral response showing understanding when someone mentions “only.”
In a Sentence:
- A: Je n’ai que des légumes. (I only have vegetables.)
- B: Ah, je vois. (Oh, I see.)
14. C’est suffisant pour moi.
Pronunciation: /seh soo-fee-zah(n) poor mwah/
Meaning: It’s enough for me. This is a response showing that the limitation or amount mentioned is sufficient for you.
In a Sentence:
- A: J’ai que 10 minutes. (I only have 10 minutes.)
- B: C’est suffisant pour moi. (It’s enough for me.)
15. Tu es sûr que c’est tout ?
Pronunciation: /too eh soor kuh seh too?/
Meaning: Are you sure that’s all? This response is used when you’re checking if someone is really limited to something or if they might have more.
In a Sentence:
- A: Il a que deux billets. (He only has two tickets.)
- B: Tu es sûr que c’est tout ? (Are you sure that’s all?)
Exercise to Practice Saying “Only” in French
Here are 12 fill-in-the-blank exercises to help you practice using the different ways to say “only” in French. Try to complete the sentences using the correct phrase for “only.” The answers are provided afterward.
Fill in the blanks (in French):
- J’ai ________ un sandwich pour le déjeuner.
- Il a ________ trois minutes avant le début du film.
- Nous avons ________ deux places pour ce concert.
- Elle a ________ des légumes pour le dîner.
- Tu as ________ un choix à faire.
- Il reste ________ quelques billets pour le match.
- Ce produit est ________ disponible en ligne.
- Je n’ai ________ que de l’eau à boire.
- Nous avons ________ cinq personnes pour cette réunion.
- Il y a ________ deux options disponibles.
- Elle veut ________ un gâteau pour son anniversaire.
- J’ai ________ des pièces de monnaie dans mon portefeuille.
Answers:
- J’ai juste un sandwich pour le déjeuner. (I only have a sandwich for lunch.)
- Il a que trois minutes avant le début du film. (He only has three minutes before the movie starts.)
- Nous avons seulement deux places pour ce concert. (We only have two tickets for this concert.)
- Elle a que des légumes pour le dîner. (She only has vegetables for dinner.)
- Tu as juste un choix à faire. (You only have one choice to make.)
- Il reste uniquement quelques billets pour le match. (Only a few tickets are left for the game.)
- Ce produit est exclusivement disponible en ligne. (This product is exclusively available online.)
- Je n’ai que de l’eau à boire. (I only have water to drink.)
- Nous avons seulement cinq personnes pour cette réunion. (We only have five people for this meeting.)
- Il y a que deux options disponibles. (There are only two options available.)
- Elle veut juste un gâteau pour son anniversaire. (She just wants a cake for her birthday.)
- J’ai juste des pièces de monnaie dans mon portefeuille. (I only have coins in my wallet.)
Conclusion
Learning how to say “only” in French is an important step in improving your language skills. Whether you’re expressing limitation, exclusivity, or simply describing something as singular, these phrases will help you communicate more clearly and effectively. By practicing different ways to say “only,” you can make your French sound more natural and adaptable to various situations.
Remember, the more you practice, the easier it will become to use these expressions in your everyday conversations. Keep experimenting with different ways to say “only” until they feel familiar. As you continue your language journey, you’ll find that mastering small details like this makes a big difference in your ability to speak fluently. Happy learning!