Expressing "a bit too"
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了一点儿 (le yīdiǎnr), can be added after an adjective to mean "just 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 criticizing too bluntly.
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 pair of 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 from my home.
- 这 件 衬衫 小 了 点儿 ，我 想 换 一 件。This shirt is a little small. I want to exchange it for another one.
- 他 给 的 这个 红包 好像 少 了 点儿 。The amount of money he gave in the red envelope seems a bit small.
- 你 管 得 是 不 是 多 了 点儿 ？Don't you think you're getting a little too involved?
- 现在 说 “对不起” 是 不 是 晚 了 点儿 ？Isn't it a little too late to say sorry now?
- 私立 学校 是 贵 了 点儿 ，不过 老师 很 优秀 。Private schools are a little expensive, but the 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 make another one?
- 对 五 岁 的 孩子 来说 ，这 个 问题 稍微 复杂 了 一点儿 。This question is just a bit complicated for a five-year-old child.
稍微 (shāowēi) can also be added before the adjective to further soften the tone.
