About
The character "忒" is structured as a compound of the phonetic component "弋" and the semantic component "心", which points to its early connections with internal or moral conditions. Etymologically, it originated with connotations of alteration or divergence, often conveying notions of error or going beyond limits. Over time, its meaning evolved from primarily denoting moral or factual deviation to adopting an intensifying role in vernacular usage, where it now serves to express a high degree, as seen in contemporary phrases like "忒好" for "very good". This shift from indicating fault to functioning as an amplifier illustrates a gradual semantic adaptation while the character's composition has remained consistent.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
今天天气忒好了。
他跑得忒快了。
这顿饭忒贵了。
你的衣服忒漂亮了。
这部电影忒无聊了。
他说话忒不客气了。
这个地方忒安静了，有点吓人。
她忒专注于工作，以至于忘了吃饭。