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过于 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
过于guòyútoo muchHSK 5, v, rank #4173, Hard
过于guòyúexcessivelyHSK 5, v, rank #4173, Hard
guòyú(guo4yu2) T4
  1. 1too much
  2. 2excessively
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March 24, 2026
过于(過於)guòyú(guo4yu2)

过于 (guo4 yu2) means 'too much' or 'excessively', and it is often used to describe something that surpasses a certain limit or standard. This term commonly appears in discussions related to behaviors, emotions, or attributes that are considered excessive, such as 过于紧张 (too nervous) or 过于自信 (overconfident).

Frequency#4173DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The concept of moderation is significant in Chinese culture, often emphasized in teachings like those from Confucianism. Thus, using 过于 can reflect societal views on balance in behavior and attitudes.

Memory Tip

Imagine a character named 'Guo' who loves to eat 'yu' (fish) but always overindulges, leading to him being '过于' (too) full. The character '过' suggests going beyond, while '于' connects to 'too much', painting a picture of excess.

Meanings of 过于

guòyú(guo4yu2)
1too much
2excessively
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 过于

过于Simplified
過於Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#4173Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 过于

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Podcast: 过于

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AI Study Notes for 过于

Quick Contrast

过分 (guòfèn) — use 过于 for a more formal tone or when emphasizing an extreme level.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a character named 'Guo' who loves to eat 'yu' (fish) but always overindulges, leading to him being '过于' (too) full. The character '过' suggests going beyond, while '于' connects to 'too much', painting a picture of excess.

Usage Notes

Be cautious of using 过于 in contexts where a more neutral tone is needed, as it can imply negative judgement. It often collocates with adjectives and adverbs, so remember to pair it correctly, such as in phrases like 过于悲伤 (too sad).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 过于 connects well with other advanced vocabulary that describes emotions and states. Focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced thoughts about excessiveness.

Cultural Note

The concept of moderation is significant in Chinese culture, often emphasized in teachings like those from Confucianism. Thus, using 过于 can reflect societal views on balance in behavior and attitudes.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 过于 with 太, mistakenly using 过于 in casual settings where 太 would be more appropriate. For instance, saying '我过于喜欢这个' (I excessively like this) instead of '我太喜欢这个' (I like this too much).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 过于

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Component Characters

过guò(experienced action marker)
HSK 26 strokes辶
View full entry
于yúto go
HSK 63 strokes二
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Write 过于

过
于

Practice writing 过于 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 过于

过于 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 3

Complete the Sentence

这件事发生得____突然了。

This happened way too suddenly.

Example Sentences for 过于 (10)

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1
我认为你自己就有些过于盛气凌人。

wǒ rèn wéi nǐ zì jǐ jiù yǒu xiē guò yú shèng qì líng rén。

I think you're a bit too high and mighty yourself.
2
重要的是工钱，不要过于慷慨，但也没办法。

zhòng yào de shì gōng qián， ， bù yào guò yú kāng， kǎi ， dàn yě méi。

It's the wages that count. Not over-generous, but there you are.
3
遗憾的是，过于简单的情节使得这部电影差强人意。

yí hàn de shì， ， guò yú jiǎn dān de qíng jié shǐ dé zhè bù diàn yǐng chà qiáng rén。

Sadly, the film is let down by an excessively simple plot.
4
他们过于谨慎也许是明智的。

tā mén guò yú jǐn shèn yě xǔ shì míng zhì de。

They may be wise to err on the side of caution.
5
他可能过于保守，而不是过于宽宏大量。

tā kě néng guò yú bǎo shǒu， ， ér bù shì guò yú kuān hóng dà。

He probably erred on the conservative rather than the generous side.
6
摇滚乐自从朋克乐以后就已经过于商业化而缺乏新意了。

yáo gǔn lè zì cóng péng kè lè yǐ hòu jiù yǐ jīng guò yú shāng yè huà ér quē fá xīn yì le。

Rock'n'roll has become so commercialised and safe since punk.
7
马赫福兹先生讲述的故事过于宏大，主题有些混乱了。

mǎ hè fú zī xiān shēng jiǎng shù de gù shì guò yú hóng dà， ， zhǔ tí yǒu xiē hùn luàn。

The themes get tangled in Mr. Mahfouz's epic storytelling.
8
这条道越过瓦尔山口之后，穿过于拜河畔圣保罗。

zhè tiáo dào yuè guò wǎ ěr shān kǒu zhī hòu， ， chuān guò yú bài hé pàn shèng bǎo。

After going over the Col de Vars, the route passes through St-Paul-sur-Ubaye.
9
他倾向性过于明显，当不了裁判。

tā qīng xiàng xìng guò yú míng xiǎn， ， dāng bù le cái。

He is clearly too partisan to be a referee.
10
父母过于爱面子的做法在他儿时一直困扰着他。

fù mǔ guò yú ài miàn zǐ de zuò fǎ zài tā ér shí yī zhí kùn rǎo zháo tā。

His parents' obsession with keeping up appearances haunted his childhood.

Cultural Notes for 过于

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of moderation is significant in Chinese culture, often emphasized in teachings like those from Confucianism. Thus, using 过于 can reflect societal views on balance in behavior and attitudes.

Frequently Asked Questions about 过于

Generally, it is used to indicate negative or excessive behaviors, so it's rare to use it positively.