多余

• Pinyin: duō yú
• Hanzi breakdown: 多 = 夕 + 夕 (many); 余 = 人 + 示 (surplus)

Meaning

Superfluous; redundant; unnecessary. As a verb, to be in excess.

Describes things that exceed what is needed, are redundant, or serve no purpose. Can refer to extra items, unnecessary actions, or people who feel unwanted.

Examples

1. 删掉多余的文字，让文章更精炼。 Cut the unnecessary words to make the writing more concise.
2. 我觉得自己在这里有点多余。 I feel a bit out of place here.
3. 他的担心完全是多余的。 His worries were completely unnecessary.

Usage Guide

Context: editing, organization, emotions

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 把多余的物品捐给有需要的人。(Donate superfluous items to those in need.)
• 这一段描写有些多余，可以删除。(This descriptive passage is somewhat redundant and can be deleted.)

Don't Say

• 多余的食物很好吃 — 多余 implies unwanted excess, not abundance that is appreciated

Origin & History

多 (many/excess) + 余 (surplus)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal