Expressing "a bit too"
了一点儿 (le yīdiǎnr), can be added after an adjective to mean "a little bit too." It is softer in tone than using 太, and so is often used when the speaker doesn't want to insult the listener by speaking too directly.
Contents
- 1 Structure
- 2 Examples
- 3 See also
- 4 Sources and further reading
Structure
In this structure, the overall effect of the pattern depends on the preceding adjective. If the adjective in the structure has a negative meaning, then it is used to show the speaker’s dissatisfaction (a sort of complaint). If the adjective in the structure has a positive meaning, then it usually reflects a change.
Adj. + 了（一）点儿
Examples
- 这 条 牛仔裤 好像 短 了 点儿 。
This pair of jeans seems a little short for me.
- 那个 地方 离 我 家 远 了 一点儿。
That place is a little too far away from my house.
- 这 件 衬衫 小 了 点儿 ，我 想 换 一 件。
This shirt is a little small. I want to exchange it for another one.
- 他 给 的 这个 红包 好像 少 了 点儿 。
The money he gave in the red envelope seems too little.
- 你 管 得 是 不 是 多 了 点儿 ？
Don't you care a little too much?
- 现在 说 “对不起” 是 不 是 晚 了 点儿 ？
Isn't it a little too late to say sorry now?
- 私立 学校 是 贵 了 点儿 ，不过 老师 很 优秀 。
Private schools are a little expensive, but their teachers are excellent.
- 你 这么 高 ，你 这个 男朋友 是 不 是 矮 了 点儿 ？
You are so tall. Isn't your boyfriend a little short for you?
- 这 道 菜 咸 了 点儿 ，可以 换 一 盘 吗？
This dish is a little too salty, could you make another one?
- 对 五 岁 的 孩子 来说 ，这 个 问题复杂 了 一点儿 。
This question is a bit complicated for a five-year-old kid.
As in the first two examples, 稍微 is often added before the adjective to further soften the tone.
See also
- Expressing "much more" in comparisons
- Expressing "excessively" with tai
Sources and further reading
Books
- Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 6- 8) →buy