Degree Adverbs: 过于, 可, 稍, 稍微, 尤其
程度副词：过于、可、稍、稍微、尤其
Express fine-grained degrees of intensity — from "excessively" to "slightly" to "especially"
过于 means "excessively" and implies going too far. 可 (in spoken Chinese) intensifies adjectives emphatically. 稍 and 稍微 mean "slightly / a little" and soften the degree. 尤其 means "especially / particularly."
可 as a degree adverb is different from 可以 (permission) and 可能 (possibility). Here 可 is purely emphatic, often followed by 了: 可好了！可漂亮了！
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Degree Adverbs: 过于, 可, 稍, 稍微, 尤其 (程度副词：过于、可、稍、稍微、尤其)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 程度副词：过于、可、稍、稍微、尤其 pattern
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Understanding 程度副词：过于、可、稍、稍微、尤其
Chinese has a rich spectrum of degree adverbs, and at HSK 5 you are learning to paint with finer brushstrokes. 过于 (guòyú) means "excessively" — it carries a negative connotation, implying something has gone too far. 过于紧张 means you are way too nervous, not just a little. 可 (kě) is a spoken-language intensifier that adds excitement and emphasis — 他女朋友可漂亮了 means "His girlfriend is SO pretty!" It is warm, personal, and very colloquial. 稍 (shāo) and 稍微 (shāowēi) both mean "slightly" — they soften requests and descriptions. 稍等 means "wait a moment." 稍微 is slightly more casual and often pairs with 一点儿. Finally, 尤其 (yóuqí) means "especially" and is used to highlight one item from a group. These five adverbs give you the ability to express precise shades of meaning that separate intermediate learners from advanced ones.
Key Points
- 过于 (guòyú) = "excessively / too much" — always implies a negative judgment.
- 可 (kě) = emphatic intensifier in spoken Chinese, often with 了: 可好了, 可大了.
- 稍 (shāo) = "slightly" — more formal, often in set phrases like 稍等, 稍后.
- 稍微 (shāowēi) = "slightly / a little" — casual, often followed by 一点儿.
- 尤其 (yóuqí) = "especially / particularly" — highlights one among many.
- 尤其是 adds 是 before the highlighted item for extra clarity.
The colloquial 可 as an intensifier is a hallmark of northern Chinese speech, especially Beijing dialect. Using 可 + Adj + 了 in conversation will make you sound natural and lively to native speakers.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这件事发生得过于突然了。
This happened way too suddenly.
他女朋友可漂亮了！
His girlfriend is SO pretty!
Colloquial emphatic use of 可
这幅画再挂得稍高一点儿。
Hang this painting just a little bit higher.
稍微坚持一下儿，马上就结束了。
Hold on just a little longer — it will be over soon.
她喜欢运动，尤其是游泳。
She likes sports, especially swimming.
你过于担心了，事情没那么严重。
You are worrying too much — things are not that serious.
北京的秋天可美了！
Autumn in Beijing is SO beautiful!
请稍等，我马上回来。
Please wait a moment — I will be right back.
Common Mistakes
过于 always carries a negative connotation of "excessively." If you mean something positive, use 特别, 非常, or the colloquial 可……了.
The emphatic 可 pattern requires 了 at the end: 可 + Adj + 了. Without 了, the sentence sounds incomplete.
尤其 highlights one specific item from a broader category. First state the general, then use 尤其(是) to single out the specific.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Remember: 过于 = too much (negative), 可……了 = so much (positive/excited), 稍/稍微 = just a little, 尤其 = especially.
Practice 可……了 with different adjectives to sound more natural: 可好了, 可难了, 可累了, 可有意思了.
Use 稍 in formal situations (稍等, 稍后) and 稍微 in casual ones (稍微快一点儿).
When listing things you like, always put 尤其(是) after the general statement to spotlight your favorite.
Homework
Describe your hobbies and preferences using all five degree adverbs. Write two sentences with 过于 (things that are excessive), two with 可……了 (things you are excited about), two with 稍/稍微 (gentle requests), and two with 尤其 (highlighting favorites).