vrlo / previše / dovoljno

How Much or How Strongly

Level 1

Vrlo intensifies a gradable description. Previše means more than wanted or needed, while dovoljno means enough for a purpose or standard.

How It Works

Vrlo often stands before an adjective or adverb: vrlo dobro, vrlo zanimljiv. It does not itself say that the degree is a problem.

Previše marks excess, either in an activity or an amount: previše radi and previše šećera. Dovoljno marks sufficiency: dovoljno vremena or dovoljno brzo. An amount expression commonly takes a genitive noun.

The intended comparison matters. Saying there is enough time does not mean there is a large amount of time in every context. Saying someone works too much adds an evaluation that very hard does not necessarily carry.

Examples (4)

  1. Ova knjiga je vrlo zanimljiva.

    This book is very interesting.

    Vrlo intensifies the adjective.

  2. U čaju je previše šećera.

    There is too much sugar in the tea.

    Previše marks excess and takes a genitive amount expression.

  3. Imamo dovoljno vremena.

    We have enough time.

    Dovoljno measures sufficiency for the relevant purpose.

  4. Govoriš dovoljno jasno.

    You speak clearly enough.

    Dovoljno modifies the adverb jasno.

How It Connects

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vrlo / previše / dovoljnoLevel 1How Much or How Strongly

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Words in This Pattern

vrloprevišedovoljno