Expressing "excessively" with "tai"

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In Chinese, the simplest structure for expressing too in the sense of excessively is by using the word 太 (tài). Don't forget to also add 了 (le) after the adjective to keep your Chinese sounding natural.

Structure

太 + Adj. + 了

As in English, this can express that something really is excessive, or can colloquially express the meaning of so or very. Note that in Chinese, you can say "太好了 (tài hǎo le)" which just means "very good" (whereas in English the phrase "too good" sometimes makes it sound like there's reason for suspicion).

Examples

The following examples sound a little bit like a complaint, or a reason for not doing something. They're similar to how we would use "too" in English, and the translations are straightforward.

  • 米饭 Mǐfàn tài duō le. There is too much rice.
  • 现在 Xiànzài tài wǎn le. Now it's too late.
  • 老板Lǎobǎn tài máng le. The boss is too busy.
  • 老师 Lǎoshī tài lèi le. The teacher is too tired.
  • 这个 厕所 Zhè ge cèsuǒ tài zāng le. This restroom is too dirty.

In the following examples, the same exact pattern is used to exclaim at how good something is, so these uses are totally not complaints. The English translations have to get a little more creative to express the same feeling in English.

  • 这 个 女孩 漂亮 Zhè ge nǚhái tài piàoliang le. This girl is so pretty.
  • tài hǎo le. You are so great.
  • tài shuài le. He is very handsome.
  • 小猫 可爱 Xiǎomāo tài kě'ài le! The kitten is sooo cute!
  • 你 的 孩子 聪明 Nǐ de háizi tài cōngming le. Your kids are wicked smart.

Note for the more advanced learner: This pattern can be used with modal verbs (e.g. 会 (huì), 能 (néng)) as well as psychological verbs (e.g. 喜欢 (xǐhuān), 想 (xiǎng), 爱 (ài)) to intensify the degree.

See also

Sources and Further Reading