过于 + 形容词
too, excessively (formal)
Structure
主语 过于 形容词／心理动词
What it means
“Too, excessively”: something goes beyond a proper limit, so the sentence criticises or warns. It is the written counterpart of 太…了.
How it is built
Subject + 过于 + two-syllable adjective or verb of feeling/attitude: 这款手机价格过于昂贵 (the phone is far too expensive). Others: 过于紧张, 过于担心, 过于依赖.
When to use it
Written and formal; in speech say 太…了. 不必过于… is a polite “don’t overdo it”: 你不必过于担心. Compare 过度 (lesson 2-3), for an activity carried too far: 过度开发, 过度劳累.
Watch out
✗ 过于很紧张 / 过于太紧张。 ✓ 过于紧张。 Never stack it with 很 or 太, and never use it for praise: 过于漂亮 cannot mean “gorgeous”.
Examples
许多短剧情节过于夸张，人物只分好人和坏人。
Many micro-drama plots are far too exaggerated, and the characters come only as goodies and baddies.
你不必过于担心，孩子会慢慢适应的。
There is no need to worry too much; the child will gradually adjust.
这款手机价格过于昂贵，上市半年销量一直上不去。
The phone was far too expensive, and six months after launch its sales still had not picked up.
Learn this in Lesson 65 · HSK 6: 网文与短剧 (Web novels and micro-dramas)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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