Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "excessively" with 太 (tài)

    HSK 1
    Degree & Intensity

    Structure

    太 + Adjective/Verb + 了

    Explanation

    太 means "too" or "excessively," placed before an adjective or verb to indicate that something has surpassed an acceptable degree. It is often paired with 了 at the end to emphasize the excess. For example, 太贵了 means "too expensive."

    Examples

    • 这条裤子太长了，我穿不了。

      Zhè tiáo kùzi tài cháng le, wǒ chuān bù liǎo.

      These pants are too long; I can't wear them.

    • 这个包太贵了，我买不起。

      Zhège bāo tài guì le, wǒ mǎi bù qǐ.

      This bag is too expensive; I can't afford it.

    • 你说得太快了，我听不清楚。

      Nǐ shuō de tài kuài le, wǒ tīng bù qīngchǔ.

      You're speaking too fast; I can't hear you clearly.