On n’a qu’une mère

[visual zenith]

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On n’a qu’une mère

[turbid notch]

It’s similar to the (not)…but structure in English
We (don’t) have but one life

In English it’s literary, in French it’s common

[open berry]

ohh okay thanks

[dusty fog]

the important part here is the "qu' " (elided form of "que")
"ne + que" translates to only, and is constructed like other types of negation (ne + pas, ne + plus, ne + jamais...)

[steel hound]

Hi, can i get a bit more explanation on this. Does this translate to "we only have one mother"? implying that we should cherish her?

[dusty fog]

that's what it translates to

[steel hound]

ok thank you