HSK 5
程度副词：过于、可、稍、稍微、尤其
chéng dù fù cí ： guò yú 、 kě 、 shāo 、 shāo wēi 、 yóu qí
Degree Adverbs: 过于, 可, 稍, 稍微, 尤其
Explanation
This is a group of degree adverbs (words that modify a verb or adjective, here indicating how strong or slight the degree is). Each word carries its own nuance: 过于 (guòyú) = excessively, 可 (kě) = emphasizes emotion when speaking, 稍 (shāo)/稍微 (shāowēi) = slightly, 尤其 (yóuqí) = especially.
过于 + adjective (excessively, usually with a negative sense); 可 + adjective + 了 (praise/emphasis); 稍/稍微 + adjective/verb (+一点儿/一下儿); ... , 尤其是 + the standout item.
过于 criticizes something for going beyond a reasonable degree (过于突然 = too sudden). 可...了 is used in spoken language to emphasize very strong emotion (可漂亮了 = so beautiful). 稍/稍微 when you want to make a slight adjustment (a bit higher, hold on a bit longer). 尤其 when you want to single out one element within a group (likes sports, especially swimming).
稍 is usually used in written or concise speech, while 稍微 is common in spoken language and often goes with 一点儿/一下儿; their meanings are nearly the same. 可 (degree) is completely different from 可 (but); the degree 可 always requires 了 at the end.
Vietnamese learners often drop 了 after 可 (wrong: 他可漂亮; correct: 他可漂亮了). Don't use 过于 for positive praise (you don't say 过于漂亮 to praise beauty). 尤其 must go with 是 when naming a specific item: 尤其是游泳, you don't casually say 尤其游泳的时候.
Examples
This matter happened too suddenly.
His girlfriend is so beautiful!
Hang this painting a little higher.
Hold on just a bit longer, it's almost over.
She likes sports, especially swimming.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “程度副词：过于、可、稍、稍微、尤其” effectively
The grammar point “程度副词：过于、可、稍、稍微、尤其” (Degree Adverbs: 过于, 可, 稍, 稍微, 尤其) is one of the key structures at HSK 5. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.