Expressing "a bit too"

了一点儿 (le yīdiǎnr), can be added after an adjective to mean "a little bit too." It is softer in tone than using 太, and so is often used when the speaker doesn't want to insult the listener by speaking too directly.

Structure

In this structure, the overall effect of the pattern depends on the preceding adjective. If the adjective in the structure has a negative meaning, then it is used to show the speaker’s dissatisfaction (a sort of complaint). If the adjective in the structure has a positive meaning, then it usually reflects a change.

Adj. + 了（一）点儿

Examples

• 这 条 牛仔裤 好像 短 了 点儿 。This jeans seems a little short for me.
• 那个 地方 离 我 家 远 了 一点儿。That place is a little too far away from my place.
• 这 件 衬衫 小 了 点儿 ，我 想 换 一 件。This shirt is a little small. I need another one.
• 他 给 的 这个 红包 好像 少 了 点儿 。The money he gave in the red envelope seems too little.
• 你 管 得 是 不 是 多 了 点儿 ？Don't you care too much?
• 现在 说 “对不起” 是 不 是 晚 了 点儿 ？Isn't it a little too late to say sorry just now?
• 私立 学校 是 贵 了 点儿 ，不过 老师 很 优秀 。Private schools are a little expensive, but their teachers are excellent.
• 你 这么 高 ，你 这个 男朋友 是 不 是 矮 了 点儿 ？You are so tall. Isn't your boyfriend a little short for you?
• 这 道 菜 咸 了 点儿 ，可以 换 一 盘 吗？This dish is a little too salty, could you have another one again?
• 对 五 岁 的 孩子 来说 ，这 个 问题复杂 了 一点儿 。This question is a bit complicated for a five-year-old kid.

As in the first two examples, 稍微 is often added before the adjective to further soften the tone.

See also

• Expressing "much more" in comparisons
• Expressing "excessively" with tai

Sources and further reading

Books

• Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 6- 8) →buy

HSK5