Do you know the phrase “plus seulement” ? Hear it in this 11 second clip. Practice your French listening skills from any level – A1 to DALF prep, take our transcription quiz at your level and improve your listening comprehension skills!
This clip is from Manger Episode 1. Listen and fill in what you hear below. Read more and find a translation below. Listen to the full episode here.
This audio sample and transcription is from Manger ep. 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode
not only
I love this project. I can feel it improving my French every day. I’m not having conversations out and about, but I can feel my listening and reading both improving with the work I’m doing to create the clips. Not only am I on the hunt for new podcasts to cut up, I’m also setting these to quizzes, digging into the meaning of words, and doing this little write up.
I love the work, but it’s a grind when you throw in the “marketing” aspects, the things I thought I was good at. It’s not always easy to get a lot of people to see the site. I think at times I think I should be able to set up shop and people will find it. But that’s just not the case. It’s a lot more than that.
Then there are the other things in my life that I was delaying, by not spending time on those things it was affecting every other part of my life. Not only am I delaying the work I said I would do, it’s having the effect of stressing me out and shortening my fuse in the rest of my life. That just opened up here. And that’s just not me, so here’s to the possibility of creation, abundance, and following through on what I said I would do.
What’s opening up for you in this clip?
The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Et comme la pub a cette capacité de s’adapter à son époque, dans les années 90 les céréales diversifient leurs cibles pour s’intéresser plus seulement aux enfants, mais aussi aux adultes, en particulier aux femmes.
And as advertising has this capacity to adapt to its time, in the 90’s, cereals diversify their targets to focus not only on children, but also on adults, especially women.
The above translation from Deepl. Source
What does “comme” mean?
In the phrase “Et comme la pub a cette capacité de s’adapter à son époque,” the word “comme” is used as a conjunction that means “as” or “since” in English. It serves to introduce a comparison or a reason for the following statement.
In this context, “comme” is used to draw a parallel between the preceding statement and the subsequent statement about advertising (“la pub”). It implies that the capability of advertising to adapt to its era is the reason or justification for the subsequent discussion or argument.
In summary, “comme” in the phrase “Et comme la pub a cette capacité de s’adapter à son époque” functions as a conjunction meaning “as” or “since,” and it establishes a connection between the preceding and subsequent statements by attributing the adaptability of advertising as the reason or justification for the subsequent discussion.
What does “leurs cibles” mean?
“Leurs cibles” is a French phrase that translates to “their targets” or “their goals” in English. It is composed of the possessive pronoun “leurs” (their) and the noun “cibles” (targets).
The phrase “leurs cibles” refers to the specific objectives, aims, or targets that belong to a particular group of individuals or entities. It highlights the notion of ownership or belonging, indicating that the targets being discussed are those specifically associated with a particular group.
Here are a few examples to illustrate the usage of “leurs cibles”:
- “L’entreprise définit ses stratégies marketing en fonction de leurs cibles de consommateurs.” (The company defines its marketing strategies based on their consumer targets.)
- “Les activistes environnementaux identifient leurs cibles pour sensibiliser à la protection de l’environnement.” (Environmental activists identify their targets to raise awareness about environmental protection.)
- “Le gouvernement a défini des politiques pour atteindre leurs cibles économiques et sociales.” (The government has established policies to achieve their economic and social targets.)
An antonym of “leurs cibles” could be “leurs alliés” (their allies). While “leurs cibles” refers to the targets or goals of a particular group, “leurs alliés” refers to the allies or supporters of that same group.
What does “plus seulement” mean?
“Plus seulement” is a French phrase that translates to “no longer just” or “not only” in English. It is composed of the adverb “plus” (no longer) and the adverb “seulement” (just/only).
The phrase “plus seulement” is used to indicate a shift or expansion beyond a previous limit or expectation. It introduces additional elements or aspects that go beyond what was initially considered or acknowledged.
While “plus seulement” can be followed by the conjunction “mais” (but) to contrast or introduce a new perspective, it is not mandatory. The presence of “mais” depends on the specific context and the intention of the speaker or writer.
Here are a few examples to illustrate the usage of “plus seulement”:
- “Les ordinateurs ne sont plus seulement des outils de travail, mais aussi des compagnons de divertissement.” (Computers are no longer just work tools but also entertainment companions.)
- “L’équipe s’adresse désormais à plus seulement un public local, mais à une audience mondiale.” (The team now addresses not only a local audience but a global one as well.)
- “La musique classique n’est plus seulement appréciée par les personnes âgées, mais aussi par les jeunes générations.” (Classical music is not only appreciated by older people but also by younger generations.)
An antonym that helps illustrate the meaning of “plus seulement” is “encore seulement” (still only). “Plus seulement” implies a broadening of scope or an expansion of possibilities, whereas “encore seulement” suggests a continuation of a limited or exclusive situation.
It is a versatile expression that allows for nuance and emphasis when discussing changes, expansions, or broadened perspectives in various contexts. It adds depth and complexity to the statement by highlighting the additional dimensions or possibilities beyond the initial consideration.
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Do you know the phrase “plus seulement” ? Hear it in this 11 second clip. Practice your French listening skills from any level – A1 to DALF prep, take our transcription quiz at your level and improve your listening comprehension skills!
