Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
莫过于 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
莫过于mòguòyúnothing can surpassHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #17018, Very Hard
mòguòyú(mo4guo4yu2)mo guo yu T4
  1. 1nothing can surpass
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

莫过于(莫過於)mòguòyú(mo4guo4yu2)

The phrase 莫过于 (mo4 guo4 yu2) means 'nothing can surpass' or 'nothing is better than.' It is often used to emphasize the superiority of something or to highlight that there is no alternative that can compare in quality or value. This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to express extreme praise or admiration.

Strokes19Frequency#17018DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, expressing something as '莫过于' often reflects a deep appreciation for that subject, whether it be food, art, or relationships. For example, the phrase is frequently used in discussions about traditional Chinese cuisine, emphasizing the unmatched quality of certain dishes.

Memory tip

Imagine a tall mountain (representing '过') that no one can climb (representing '莫'), emphasizing that nothing can surpass its height. Picture a sky filled with stars, but one star shines brighter ('于'), symbolizing the idea of excellence that cannot be exceeded.

Meanings of 莫过于

mòguòyú(mo4guo4yu2)
1nothing can surpass
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 莫过于 means.

About 莫过于

莫过于Simplified
莫過於Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 莫过于

JasonAmy

Podcast: 莫过于

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 莫过于

Quick Contrast

无与伦比 (wú yǔ lún bǐ) — use 莫过于 when emphasizing a specific instance of superiority, while 无与伦比 highlights a general incomparable quality.

Usage Notes

Be careful with the context in which you use 莫过于, as it typically conveys a strong opinion and can come off as subjective. It is more common in formal or literary contexts rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include phrases like 莫过于美丽 (nothing can surpass beauty) or 莫过于重要 (nothing is more important).

HSK Study Tips

While 莫过于 is not specifically listed in HSK vocabulary, it is a useful phrase for HSK 5 or 6 learners who are looking to express nuanced opinions. Students should focus on understanding its implications in comparative contexts and practice using it with adjectives to emphasize quality.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 莫过于 with phrases like 不如 (bu4 ru2, 'not as good as'), which conveys a different meaning. For example, saying '这本书莫过于好' (This book is nothing can surpass good) is incorrect; the correct form is '这本书莫过于优秀' (This book is nothing can surpass excellent).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 莫过于

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 莫过于, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 莫过于 to you

Let me explain 莫过于 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 莫过于 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 莫过于?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 莫过于 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

莫mòdo not
10 strokes艹
View full entry
过guò(experienced action marker)
HSK 26 strokes辶
View full entry
于yúto go
HSK 63 strokes二
View full entry

How to say nothing can surpass in Chinese

“nothing can surpass” in Chinese is莫过于mòguòyú

The phrase 莫过于 (mo4 guo4 yu2) means 'nothing can surpass' or 'nothing is better than.' It is often used to emphasize the superiority of something or to highlight that there is no alternative that can compare in quality or value. This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to express extreme praise or admiration.

When to use 莫过于

Be careful with the context in which you use 莫过于, as it typically conveys a strong opinion and can come off as subjective. It is more common in formal or literary contexts rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include phrases like 莫过于美丽 (nothing can surpass beauty) or 莫过于重要 (nothing is more important).

莫过于 or something close to it

无与伦比 (wú yǔ lún bǐ) — use 莫过于 when emphasizing a specific instance of superiority, while 无与伦比 highlights a general incomparable quality.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 莫过于 with phrases like 不如 (bu4 ru2, 'not as good as'), which conveys a different meaning. For example, saying '这本书莫过于好' (This book is nothing can surpass good) is incorrect; the correct form is '这本书莫过于优秀' (This book is nothing can surpass excellent).

Write 莫过于

莫
过
于

Practice writing 莫过于 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 莫过于?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 莫过于

While it can be used casually, it's better suited for more formal or written contexts due to its emphasis.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 莫过于?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab