A1 Collocation Neutral 2 min read

lentement plusieurs

lentement plusieurs

Literally: slowly several

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 6
1

Describing a hobby

Je lis lentement plusieurs livres en ce moment.

I am slowly reading several books right now.

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2

In a kitchen setting

Il faut éplucher lentement plusieurs pommes.

You must slowly peel several apples.

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3

Texting a friend about work

J'avance lentement sur plusieurs dossiers.

I'm moving slowly on several files.

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🌍

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

6
#1 Describing a hobby
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Je lis lentement plusieurs livres en ce moment.

I am slowly reading several books right now.

Shows you are enjoying the process of multiple stories.

#2 In a kitchen setting
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Il faut éplucher lentement plusieurs pommes.

You must slowly peel several apples.

Instructional use for a repetitive task.

#3 Texting a friend about work
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

J'avance lentement sur plusieurs dossiers.

I'm moving slowly on several files.

Casual update on a workload.

#4 A humorous observation
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

L'escargot mange lentement plusieurs feuilles.

The snail is slowly eating several leaves.

Using a slow animal to illustrate the point.

#5 Discussing personal growth
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J'apprends lentement plusieurs nouvelles chansons.

I am slowly learning several new songs.

Reflects patience in learning.

#6 Formal report
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

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.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: lentement plusieurs

The adverb 'lentement' follows the verb 'marche', and 'plusieurs' precedes the noun 'kilomètres'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Select the right one:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il mange lentement plusieurs pommes.

Adverbs of manner like 'lentement' follow the conjugated verb.

Match the French phrase to its English translation.

Match them up:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Reads slowly several books / Eats slowly several fruits / Writes slowly several words

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 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'lentement' and 'plusieurs'. Fill Blank A1

Je marche _______ _______ kilomètres.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: lentement plusieurs

The adverb 'lentement' follows the verb 'marche', and 'plusieurs' precedes the noun 'kilomètres'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct? Choose A1

Select the right one:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il mange lentement plusieurs pommes.

Adverbs of manner like 'lentement' follow the conjugated verb.

Match the French phrase to its English translation. Match A1

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Reads slowly several books / Eats slowly several fruits / Writes slowly several words

These are direct translations of the collocation in different contexts.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions

Yes, 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

similar

little by little

🔗

un par un

similar

one by one

🔗

vite fait

contrast

done quickly

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