Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "nothing is more… than" with 莫过于 (mòguòyú)

    HSK 5
    Comparison
    Degree & Intensity

    Structure

    最 + Adjective + 的 + Noun + 莫过于 + Noun/Phrase

    Explanation

    The expression 莫过于 (mòguòyú) means "nothing surpasses" or "nothing is more… than" and is used to single out the most extreme or best example in a category. It is a formal expression often found in written Chinese. For example, 最大的幸福莫过于健康 means "The greatest happiness is nothing other than good health."

    Examples

    • 人生最大的遗憾莫过于虚度光阴。

      Rénshēng zuìdà de yíhàn mòguòyú xūdù guāngyīn.

      The greatest regret in life is nothing more than wasting time.

    • 世界上最美的风景莫过于家乡的山水。

      Shìjiè shàng zuì měi de fēngjǐng mòguòyú jiāxiāng de shānshuǐ.

      The most beautiful scenery in the world is none other than the mountains and rivers of one's hometown.

    • 最让人感动的莫过于朋友在困难时的帮助。

      Zuì ràng rén gǎndòng de mòguòyú péngyou zài kùnnan shí de bāngzhù.

      Nothing is more touching than a friend's help in times of difficulty.