过分

• Pinyin: guò fèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 过 = 辶 (walk) + 寸 (inch) — passing beyond a measure; 分 = 八 (divide) + 刀 (knife) — dividing into portions

Meaning

Excessive; going too far; over the top. Describes behaviour, words, or situations that exceed acceptable or reasonable limits.

Can function as an adjective (太过分了, that's too much) or an adverb (过分紧张, excessively nervous). Often carries a negative connotation, implying that someone has crossed a boundary of reasonableness or decency. Very common in spoken Chinese for expressing disapproval.

Examples

1. 你这样做太过分了，应该向他道歉。 What you did is too much; you should apologise to him.
2. 不要过分担心，事情会好起来的。 Don't worry too much; things will get better.
3. 他觉得老板的要求有点过分。 He feels the boss's demands are a bit excessive.

Usage Guide

Context: conflict, everyday, criticism

Tone: critical

Do Say

• 这个价格太过分了。(This price is outrageous.)
• 别过分紧张，放松一点。(Don't be overly nervous; relax a bit.)

Don't Say

• 这道菜过分好吃 (Don't use 过分 for positive qualities — use 非常 or 特别 instead; 过分 implies exceeding limits in a negative way)

Origin & History

过 (guò, to pass/exceed) + 分 (fèn, portion/limit) — literally 'exceeding the proper portion,' meaning to go beyond what is appropriate.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal