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March 24, 2026
过分(過分)guòfèn(guo4fen4)
The term '过分' (guo4 fen4) denotes something that is excessive or undue, often referring to behavior, actions, or attitudes that go beyond acceptable limits. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express disapproval or concern about someone's excessive actions or demands.
Frequency#2256DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
'过分' often reflects the Chinese cultural value of harmony and moderation, where excessive behavior is generally frowned upon. In social settings, maintaining balance is important, and calling out someone for being '过分' is a serious matter.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone at a buffet who keeps piling their plate higher and higher until it topples over. This visual of excessive food relates to '过分', where '过' (guo) suggests going overboard, and '分' (fen) refers to the division or portion that has gone too far, creating an image of imbalance.
Meanings of 过分
guòfèn(guo4fen4)
1excessive
2undue
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About 过分
过分Simplified
過分Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#2256Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 过分
Podcast: 过分
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AI Study Notes for 过分
Quick Contrast
过度 (guòdù) - use 过分 when emphasizing moral judgment about excessiveness, while 过度 is more neutral regarding the degree of something.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine someone at a buffet who keeps piling their plate higher and higher until it topples over. This visual of excessive food relates to '过分', where '过' (guo) suggests going overboard, and '分' (fen) refers to the division or portion that has gone too far, creating an image of imbalance.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse '过分' with '过多' (guo4 duo1), which means 'too much' but can refer to quantity rather than behavior. It is mostly used in informal settings, but can also be applied in more serious discussions. Be cautious with the tone; '过分' can sound very critical.
HSK Study Tips
As a HSK 5 level term, '过分' can help connect with other adjectives describing behavior. Students should focus on using it in sentences to describe situations and practicing collocations like '过分的要求' (excessive demands) or '过分的行为' (excessive behavior).
Cultural Note
'过分' often reflects the Chinese cultural value of harmony and moderation, where excessive behavior is generally frowned upon. In social settings, maintaining balance is important, and calling out someone for being '过分' is a serious matter.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse '过分' by substituting it for '太多' (too much), which leads to sentences like '他的工作过分' (His work is excessive), instead of correctly saying '他的工作太多' (He has too much work).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 过分
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Grammar Patterns of 过分
过分 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
It is difficult to praise this immaculately researched work too highly.
5
我想了想，觉得再要啤酒就有点过分了。
wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng， ， jué dé zài yào pí jiǔ jiù yǒu diǎn guò fēn。
I decided it wouldn't be tactful to order another beer.
6
不要过分拘泥于书上所说的。
bù yào guò fēn jū ní yú shū shàng suǒ shuō de。
Don't stick too precisely to what it says in the book.
7
该书所描绘的世界似乎过分刻意地追求文学性，过于内敛含蓄。
gāi shū suǒ miáo huì de shì jiè sì hū guò fēn kè yì dì zhuī qiú wén xué xìng， ， guò yú nèi liǎn hán。
The world which the book inhabits seems too self-consciously literary, too introverted.
8
这家旅馆的价钱贵得过分.
zhè jiā lǚ guǎn de jià qián guì dé guò fēn.
The prices at this hotel are excessive.
9
他的结论是这座城市过分重视规划设计了。
tā de jié lùn shì zhè zuò chéng shì guò fēn zhòng shì guī huá shè jì le。
The city, he concluded, had overdosed on design.
10
汤姆，这简直太过分了！
tāng mǔ， ， zhè jiǎn zhí tài guò fēn！
Tom, this is an outrage!
Cultural Notes for 过分
🏮Cultural insight
'过分' often reflects the Chinese cultural value of harmony and moderation, where excessive behavior is generally frowned upon. In social settings, maintaining balance is important, and calling out someone for being '过分' is a serious matter.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, being assertive or 'going all out' can be seen positively, while in Chinese culture, '过分' highlights the need for moderation and restraint.
Frequently Asked Questions about 过分
'过分' is typically used negatively to describe excessive behavior or attitudes, so it is not suited for positive contexts.
You can say '他的要求过分' (His demands are excessive) to illustrate its use.
'过分' focuses on behavior or attitudes, while '过多' refers to quantity, so they are not interchangeable.
