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    C'était (en. It was)

    /se.te/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    verb
    Form of the verb 'être' in the first person singular in the imperfect tense of the indicative
    When I was a child, it was the time for outdoor games.
    Quand j'étais enfant, c'était l'époque des jeux en plein air.
    Used to evoke memories or describe a previous situation
    It was incredible to see this animal in its natural habitat.
    C'était incroyable de voir cet animal dans son habitat naturel.
    Indicates an assessment of a past event
    It was an unforgettable experience.
    C'était une expérience inoubliable.

    Etymology

    Contraction of 'ce' and 'était', used in French to express states or situations in the past.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    Once upon a time
    Used to start a fairy tale or a story
    c'était une fois
    It was better before
    Expression of nostalgia for a past considered better
    c'était mieux avant
    It was a pleasure
    Expression used to indicate that an experience was pleasant
    c'était un plaisir

    Related Words

    was
    Form of the verb to be, used in other contexts
    était
    this
    Demonstrative pronoun used to refer to something
    ce
    past
    Indicates a time prior to the present
    passé

    Slang Meanings

    it was so good
    At the party, it was so good; everyone had fun.
    À la fête, c'était trop bien, tout le monde s'est amusé.
    it was crazy
    The concert was crazy; people were dancing everywhere!
    Le concert, c'était la folie, les gens dansaient partout!