adjective / adverb HSK 4
Traditional 過分
guò fèn
excessive · going too far · over the top

Meaning

过分 describes something that exceeds reasonable limits or boundaries. It expresses the idea that an action, behavior, or quality has gone beyond what is appropriate, acceptable, or moderate. The word carries a negative connotation, suggesting disapproval of the excessiveness.

Usage

Commonly used to criticize or express disapproval when someone's words or actions are considered unreasonable or extreme. Can function as an adjective before nouns or as an adverb before verbs. Often appears in phrases like '太过分了' (that's too much!) in everyday conversation to express indignation or protest.

Examples

  1. 01
    你这样说话太过分了。
    zhè yàng shuō huà tài guò fèn le.
    What you said was too much.
  2. 02
    他对孩子的要求有些过分
    duì hái zi de yāo qiú yǒu xiē guò fèn.
    His demands on the child are somewhat excessive.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 过分
    tài guò fèn le
    that's too much!
  • 过分要求
    guò fèn yāo qiú
    excessive demands
  • 不要太过分
    yào tài guò fèn
    don't go too far
  • 有点过分
    yǒu diǎn guò fèn
    a bit excessive

Antonyms

Origin

Literally combines '过' (to exceed) and '分' (proper portion/limit), creating the meaning of 'exceeding one's proper portion' or 'going beyond appropriate limits.'

Related