未免
HSK 6- Emphasis
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Adverb 未免 is used to gently remark that something is slightly excessive or unreasonable.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The adverb 未免 (wèimiǎn) is used to express mild disapproval, indicating that something or some action has gone beyond a reasonable degree. It is similar to saying "a bit," "somewhat… too," or "rather…" in English. 未免 typically pairs with an adjective or an emotion verb, carrying a sense of polite criticism or complaint that is not overly harsh.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 这个价格未免太贵了。繁: 這個價格未免太貴了。Zhège jiàgé wèimiǎn tài guì le.
This price is rather too expensive.
- 你这样说未免太伤人了。繁: 你這樣說未免太傷人了。Nǐ zhèyàng shuō wèimiǎn tài shāngrén le.
Your words are bound to hurt people's feelings.
- 他的要求未免太高了点儿。繁: 他的要求未免太高了點兒。Tā de yāoqiú wèimiǎn tài gāo le diǎnr.
His demands are a bit too high.
- 为这点小事生气，你未免太小气了。繁: 為這點小事生氣，你未免太小氣了。Wèi zhè diǎn xiǎoshì shēngqì, nǐ wèimiǎn tài xiǎoqì le.
You're being too petty getting angry over such a trivial matter.
- 现在才开始复习，未免太晚了吧？繁: 現在才開始複習，未免太晚了吧？Xiànzài cái kāishǐ fùxí, wèimiǎn tài wǎn le ba?
Starting to review only now, isn't that a bit too late?
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他未免太帅了。Correct:他太帅了！
未免 typically carries a tone of mild criticism or complaint and is not used for praise or to emphasize positive things.
- Wrong:这个价格太贵未免了。Correct:这个价格未免太贵了。
未免 is an adverb that must precede the adjective or verb it modifies; it cannot stand at the end of a sentence.