Meanings of 过分
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AI study notes for 过分
过度 (guòdù) - use 过分 when emphasizing moral judgment about excessiveness, while 过度 is more neutral regarding the degree of something.
Learners often confuse '过分' with '过多' (guo4 duo1), which means 'too much' but can refer to quantity rather than behavior. It is mostly used in informal settings, but can also be applied in more serious discussions. Be cautious with the tone; '过分' can sound very critical.
As a HSK 5 level term, '过分' can help connect with other adjectives describing behavior. Students should focus on using it in sentences to describe situations and practicing collocations like '过分的要求' (excessive demands) or '过分的行为' (excessive behavior).
Learners often misuse '过分' by substituting it for '太多' (too much), which leads to sentences like '他的工作过分' (His work is excessive), instead of correctly saying '他的工作太多' (He has too much work).
Pronunciation of 过分
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Component characters
How to say excessive in Chinese
“excessive” in Chinese is过分
The term '过分' (guo4 fen4) denotes something that is excessive or undue, often referring to behavior, actions, or attitudes that go beyond acceptable limits. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express disapproval or concern about someone's excessive actions or demands.
When to use 过分
Learners often confuse '过分' with '过多' (guo4 duo1), which means 'too much' but can refer to quantity rather than behavior. It is mostly used in informal settings, but can also be applied in more serious discussions. Be cautious with the tone; '过分' can sound very critical.
过分 or something close to it
过度 (guòdù) - use 过分 when emphasizing moral judgment about excessiveness, while 过度 is more neutral regarding the degree of something.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse '过分' by substituting it for '太多' (too much), which leads to sentences like '他的工作过分' (His work is excessive), instead of correctly saying '他的工作太多' (He has too much work).
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Grammar patterns of 过分
过分 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
你这样说她，未免太____了。
Saying that about her is rather going too far.
Example sentences for 过分 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 过分
In Western cultures, being assertive or 'going all out' can be seen positively, while in Chinese culture, '过分' highlights the need for moderation and restraint.
Frequently asked questions about 过分
'过分' is typically used negatively to describe excessive behavior or attitudes, so it is not suited for positive contexts.
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