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.

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.

Examples

这条牛仔裤好像短 了点儿 。This 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 place.
这件衬衫小 了点儿 ，我想换一件。This shirt is a little small. I need another one.
他给的这个红包好像少 了点儿 。The money he gave in the red packet seems too little.
你管得是不是多 了点儿 ？Don't you care 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 just 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 have another one again?
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.

Structure

Examples

See also

Sources and further reading

Books