太

tài

丶 + 大

HSK 2.0Level 1

HSK 3.0Level 1

Definitions

tài (adverb) too (much); very; extremely

tài (adjective) highest; greatest; supreme

Etymology

Addition of a dot to 大 (dà; big) to mean "very" or "extremely".

About

太 is a derivative of 大 (dà, 'big'), created by adding a dot 丶 at the bottom to emphasize and intensify the notion of greatness, resulting in the meaning 'very' or 'extremely'. The added stroke transforms simple largeness into the highest degree, excess, or supreme status. In usage, it commonly functions as an adverb meaning 'too' or 'excessively', and as an honorific title for senior family members, nobility, and the top ranks within traditional hierarchical systems.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

今天天气太热了。

Jīntiān tiānqì tài rè le.

The weather is too hot today.

她是我的太太。

Tā shì wǒ de tàitài.

She is my wife.

太阳从东边升起。

Tàiyáng cóng dōngbian shēngqǐ.

The sun rises from the east.

太空探索很有趣。

Tàikōng tànsuǒ hěn yǒuqù.

Space exploration is very interesting.

这里的生活很太平。

Zhèlǐ de shēnghuó hěn tàipíng.

Life here is very peaceful.

他太喜欢打篮球了。

Tā tài xǐhuan dǎ lánqiú le.

He likes playing basketball too much.

这个问题太复杂了，我无法解决。

Zhège wèntí tài fùzá le, wǒ wúfǎ jiějué.

This problem is too complicated, I can't solve it.

虽然太贵，但是质量很好。

Suīrán tài guì, dànshì zhìliàng hěn hǎo.

Although it is too expensive, the quality is very good.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 丶

Component: 大

Example Words