Chinese Conversation · Level 32
90 words
Chinese word
过分
Pronunciation
Pinyinguò fèn
Meaning
- adjectiveharsh
Example
他的批评太过分了，我受不了。tā de pī píng tài guò fèn le wǒ shòu bù liǎo
His criticism is too harsh, and I can't take it.
More examples
这种过分的行为会伤害别人。zhè zhǒng guò fèn de xíng wéi huì shāng hài bié rén
This kind of excessive behavior can hurt others.
Core concept
A person, act, or amount that crosses the line of what is reasonable.
Common phrases
太过分了tài guò fèn le
too harsh
过分的行为guò fèn de xíng wéi
excessive behavior
过分的要求guò fèn de yāo qiú
excessive demands
Similar words
太过tài guò: Too intense or extensive, exceeding an acceptable degree.
过头guò tóu: Going beyond a sensible level in a casual, everyday way.
过度guò dù: Exceeding the necessary level or suitable range in an excessive way.
Definition in Chinese
超过应有或合适的程度，带有负面评价。chāo guò yīng yǒu huò hé shì de chéng dù dài yǒu fù miàn píng jià
Word origin
过 (guò, "go beyond") + 分 (fèn, "measure") forms a compound for going beyond the proper measure, giving the word its negative sense of being too much.
Usage tips
- English speakers often reserve "harsh" for cruel words or treatment, while this word also describes excessive demands, reactions, behavior, and amounts.