In 15 Seconds
- Doing multiple things at a deliberate, slow pace.
- Combines quantity with a calm, steady speed.
- Perfect for hobbies, dining, or methodical work.
Meaning
This phrase describes doing things slowly but across several items or instances. It is about taking your time with a group of things rather than rushing through them.
Key Examples
3 of 6Describing a hobby
Je lis lentement plusieurs livres en ce moment.
I am slowly reading several books right now.
In a kitchen setting
Il faut éplucher lentement plusieurs pommes.
You must slowly peel several apples.
Texting a friend about work
J'avance lentement sur plusieurs dossiers.
I'm moving slowly on several files.
Cultural Background
The French value 'le temps de vivre'. Doing things 'lentement' is often seen as a sign of sophistication, especially regarding food and culture. In Quebec, 'lentement' is used similarly, but you might also hear 'tranquillement' used as a synonym for 'slowly' or 'gradually' in daily life. In Francophone West Africa, the pace of life can be more relaxed. 'Lentement' is not just a speed but a social grace. Belgian French uses this phrase in the context of their famous beer culture, where 'plusieurs' beers are enjoyed 'lentement' to appreciate the craft.
Adverb Placement
Always put 'lentement' right after the verb. It's the most natural spot.
No 'de' needed
Don't say 'plusieurs de livres'. Just 'plusieurs livres'.
In 15 Seconds
- Doing multiple things at a deliberate, slow pace.
- Combines quantity with a calm, steady speed.
- Perfect for hobbies, dining, or methodical work.
What It Means
Lentement plusieurs isn't a fixed idiom. It is a logical combination of two basic words. Lentement means slowly. Plusieurs means several. Together, they describe a deliberate pace. You are handling multiple things at once. But you aren't in a hurry. It is the opposite of multitasking frantically. Think of it as 'slow and steady' for a group of tasks.
How To Use It
You use this when describing a process. It usually follows a verb. You might say you are reading books lentement plusieurs. Or perhaps you are eating appetizers. It emphasizes the quantity and the speed. It sounds very methodical. You aren't just slow with one thing. You are slow with many. It creates a sense of calm persistence.
When To Use It
Use this in a workshop or kitchen. If you are painting plusieurs chairs, do it lentement. Use it when talking about your hobbies. Maybe you are learning plusieurs languages. Tell your friends you go lentement. It shows you are dedicated. It also suggests you aren't overwhelmed. It’s perfect for describing a relaxing Sunday afternoon. You are sipping plusieurs coffees lentement.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this in an emergency. If the building is on fire, don't move lentement. Avoid it in high-pressure corporate deadlines. Your boss wants things fast, not lentement. It also sounds clunky if used alone. It needs a verb to make sense. Don't use it to mean 'a few slowly'. It specifically implies 'several'. If you only have two things, use deux instead.
Cultural Background
French culture often values the 'art of living'. This includes taking time to enjoy things. The 'Slow Food' movement is popular in France. This phrase fits that vibe perfectly. It’s about quality over speed. Even when there is a lot to do, the French appreciate a steady rhythm. It’s the antithesis of the 'hustle culture' seen elsewhere. It’s about savoring the 'plusieurs' moments of life.
Common Variations
You might hear plusieurs lentement. The order can shift depending on the sentence. Sometimes people say tout doucement plusieurs. This means 'very softly/slowly several'. You could also say lentement mais sûrement. That means 'slowly but surely'. If you want to be more formal, use posément. But lentement plusieurs remains a simple, clear way to express this idea.
Usage Notes
This is a very safe, neutral collocation. It works in almost any context where you are describing a slow, multi-part process.
Adverb Placement
Always put 'lentement' right after the verb. It's the most natural spot.
No 'de' needed
Don't say 'plusieurs de livres'. Just 'plusieurs livres'.
Examples
6Je lis lentement plusieurs livres en ce moment.
I am slowly reading several books right now.
Shows you are enjoying the process of multiple stories.
Il faut éplucher lentement plusieurs pommes.
You must slowly peel several apples.
Instructional use for a repetitive task.
J'avance lentement sur plusieurs dossiers.
I'm moving slowly on several files.
Casual update on a workload.
L'escargot mange lentement plusieurs feuilles.
The snail is slowly eating several leaves.
Using a slow animal to illustrate the point.
J'apprends lentement plusieurs nouvelles chansons.
I am slowly learning several new songs.
Reflects patience in learning.
Nous traitons lentement plusieurs demandes clients.
We are slowly processing several client requests.
Implies careful attention to detail.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'lentement' and 'plusieurs'.
Je marche _______ _______ kilomètres.
The adverb 'lentement' follows the verb 'marche', and 'plusieurs' precedes the noun 'kilomètres'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the right one:
Adverbs of manner like 'lentement' follow the conjugated verb.
Match the French phrase to its English translation.
Match them up:
These are direct translations of the collocation in different contexts.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Things to do Lentement Plusieurs
Hobbies
- • Lire des livres
- • Peindre des tableaux
- • Jardiner
Food
- • Goûter des vins
- • Manger des plats
- • Cuisiner
Practice Bank
3 exercisesJe marche _______ _______ kilomètres.
The adverb 'lentement' follows the verb 'marche', and 'plusieurs' precedes the noun 'kilomètres'.
Select the right one:
Adverbs of manner like 'lentement' follow the conjugated verb.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are direct translations of the collocation in different contexts.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, but 'doucement' often implies 'quietly' or 'softly' as well as 'slowly'.
Yes, it always refers to more than two items, so the noun must be plural.
Related Phrases
petit à petit
similarlittle by little
un par un
similarone by one
vite fait
contrastdone quickly