Grammar Point · HSK 5
过于 guòyú ・ 較 jiào — Formal Degree Adverbs
过于 guòyú flags an excess that causes a problem — “too/overly” with a critical edge. 较 jiào is a formal, written cousin of 比较 bǐjiào — “relatively.”
Both are formal, written-register words — you’ll see them in reports, news, and careful writing more than in chat.
1 过于 guòyú — “Excessively”
Marks a degree that has gone too far, usually implying a resulting problem. Subject + 过于 guòyú + Adjective/Verb.
這個問題過於複雜，我們需要更多時間討論这个问题过于复杂，我们需要更多时间讨论
This problem is overly complex; we need more time to discuss it.
他過於自信，結果犯了很多錯誤他过于自信，结果犯了很多错误
He was overly confident, and as a result made a lot of mistakes.
這件衣服過於緊了，你換大一號吧这件衣服过于紧了，你换大一号吧
This piece of clothing is too tight; you should switch to a bigger size.
這樣的要求並不過於苛刻这样的要求并不过于苛刻
This kind of request isn’t overly harsh.
你會不會覺得這個計畫過於冒險？你会不会觉得这个计划过于冒险？
Do you think this plan is overly risky?
2 较 jiào — “Relatively” (Formal)
A formal, written cousin of 比较 bǐjiào — no comparison target needs to be named.
這個方案較合理这个方案较合理
This proposal is relatively reasonable.
城市較擁擠，鄉下較安靜城市较拥挤，乡下较安静
Cities are relatively crowded; the countryside is relatively quiet.
這種做法較有效率这种做法较有效率
This approach is relatively more efficient.
這個方法較不實用这个方法较不实用
This method is relatively impractical.
哪一種方式較安全？哪一种方式较安全？
Which method is relatively safer?
| Word | Meaning | Register |
|---|---|---|
| 过于 guòyú | Excessively — implies a resulting problem | Formal, often critical |
| 较 jiào | Relatively — a formal cousin of 比较 bǐjiào | Formal, neutral |
3 Common Mistake
过于 guòyú always signals an excess that causes a problem — it clashes with positive praise.
❌
這道菜過於好吃，我很喜歡这道菜过于好吃，我很喜欢
✅
這道菜非常好吃，我很喜歡这道菜非常好吃，我很喜欢
过于 guòyú implies a fault or problem, so it clashes with a positive adjective like 好吃 hǎochī. Use 非常 fēicháng for genuine praise instead.
4 Practice
Translate each sentence into Chinese, then tap the card to check your answer.
01He’s overly nervous, he doesn’t need to worry so much.
他過於緊張，不需要這麼擔心他过于紧张，不需要这么担心
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02Is this price overly expensive?
這個價格會不會過於昂貴？这个价格会不会过于昂贵？
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03This solution is relatively simple.
這個解決方法較簡單这个解决方法较简单
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04Which color is relatively more popular?
哪一種顏色較受歡迎？哪一种颜色较受欢迎？
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05This design is overly complicated, let’s simplify it.
這個設計過於複雜，我們簡化一下吧这个设计过于复杂，我们简化一下吧
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06This part is relatively weak, we should reinforce it.
這個部分較薄弱，我們應該加強这个部分较薄弱，我们应该加强
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07This rule isn’t overly strict, is it?
這樣的規定不會過於嚴格吧？这样的规定不会过于严格吧？
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08Compared with last year, this year’s rain is relatively little.
跟去年比，今年的雨較少跟去年比，今年的雨较少
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