Meaning
多余 describes something that is more than needed, excessive, or unnecessary. It can refer to physical objects, actions, words, or even people in a given situation. The word carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation, suggesting that something is not just extra, but wastefully so.
Usage
Commonly used to criticize unnecessary actions or words, as in 多余的话 (superfluous words). Can describe both concrete items (surplus goods) and abstract concepts (unnecessary worry). Often appears in the pattern 是多余的 (is unnecessary) or 觉得...多余 (feel that...is superfluous). Register is neutral and appropriate for both spoken and written contexts.
Examples
- 01你的担心是多余的，一切都会好起来的。, .Your worry is unnecessary; everything will get better.
- 02他说了很多多余的话，让大家都很不舒服。, .He said a lot of unnecessary things that made everyone uncomfortable.
Characters
Common collocations
- 多余的话superfluous words, unnecessary remarks
- 多余的担心unnecessary worry
- 是多余的is unnecessary
- 觉得多余feel (something is) superfluous
Antonyms
Origin
Compound of 多 (many/much) and 余 (surplus/remainder), literally meaning 'much remaining' or 'surplus amount', which naturally extends to the sense of 'more than necessary'.