terlalu + Adjective
Excessive Degree with Terlalu
terlalu + [adjective] = too [adjective]
Example: terlalu mahal (too expensive).
How It Works
In Indonesian, terlalu functions as a pre-modifier, meaning it must always be placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies.
1. Negative Nuance
While sangat (very) intensifies without itself marking excess, terlalu suggests that the degree is problematic. For instance, saying someone is sangat baik (very kind) is a compliment, but terlalu baik (too kind) might imply they are easily taken advantage of.
2. The 'Too... To...' Construction
To express that something is too [adjective] to do something, Indonesian uses the pattern: terlalu [adjective] untuk [verb].
Example: Terlalu panas untuk diminum (Too hot to drink).
3. Comparison with Superlatives
Do not confuse terlalu with the ter- prefix. While both use the 'ter-' sound, terlalu is a separate word for 'too,' whereas the prefix ter- attached to an adjective means 'the most' (e.g., terbesar = the biggest).
Examples (4)
- Kopi ini terlalu panas untuk diminum.
This coffee is too hot to drink.
Word by Word: Coffee this too hot for be-drunk.
Shows the standard 'too... to...' construction using 'untuk'.
- Jangan berjalan terlalu cepat, saya lelah.
Don't walk too fast, I'm tired.
Word by Word: Don't walk too fast, I tired.
Here, 'terlalu' modifies the adverb 'cepat' (fast) to indicate excessive speed.
- Mobil itu terlalu mahal bagi saya.
That car is too expensive for me.
Word by Word: Car that too expensive for me.
Implies the price exceeds the speaker's budget, showing the negative nuance.
- Soal ujian ini terlalu sulit.
This exam question is too difficult.
Word by Word: Problem exam this too difficult.
A simple application of 'terlalu' before an adjective.
Common Mistakes
Placing 'terlalu' after the adjective.
Buku itu mahal terlalu.Buku itu terlalu mahal.Unlike 'sekali' (very), which comes after the adjective, 'terlalu' must always come before it.
Using 'terlalu' when you simply mean 'very' in a positive way.
Makanan ini terlalu enak!Makanan ini sangat enak!Sangat enak plainly praises the food as very delicious. Terlalu enak can mean excessively delicious, but speakers can also use that exaggeration playfully as praise. Choose sangat for simple positive emphasis; the original is not necessarily a literal complaint.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'terlalu + adjective', you first need to know how adjectives function as predicates without a copula (like 'is' or 'are'). It is also helpful to understand other degree adverbs like 'sangat' (very) which follow the same word order.
Related Patterns
- Adjective + sekaliPost-adjective Intensifier Sekali
'Sekali' is another way to say 'very,' but it is placed after the adjective, unlike 'terlalu'.
Level 4 - ter- (superlatif)Lexical Superlatives with Ter-
The prefix 'ter-' creates the superlative ('the most'), which looks similar to 'terlalu' but has a different meaning.
Level 3 - untukFor with Untuk
'Untuk' is commonly used with 'terlalu' to complete the 'too... to...' or 'too... for...' thought.
Level 1 - agak + AdjectiveModerate Degree with Agak
'Agak' expresses a moderate degree ('rather' or 'somewhat'), the opposite of the excessive 'terlalu'.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice terlalu + Adjective in Bubblegum
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