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

Adj. + 了(一)点儿

Examples

  • 这 条 牛仔裤 好像 了 点儿This jeans seems a little short for me.
  • 这 件 衬衫 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 了 点儿The money he gave in the red packet seems too little.
  • 你 管 得 是 不 是 了 点儿Don't you care too much?
  • 现在 说 “对不起” 是 不 是 了 点儿Isn't it a little too late to say sorry just now?
  • 私立 学校 是 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 了 点儿You are so tall. Isn't your boyfriend a little short for you?
  • 这 道 菜 了 点儿,可以 换 一 盘 吗?This dish is a little too salty, could you have another one again?
  • 那个 地方 离 我 家 了 一点儿That place is a little too far away from my place.
  • 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

Sources and further reading

Books

HSK5