terlalu + Adjective

Excessive Degree with Terlalu

Level 1

terlalu + [adjective] = too [adjective]

How It Works

In Malay, terlalu is categorized as a Kata Penguat Hadapan (Front Intensifier). This means it has a fixed position and must always appear before the word it modifies.

Key characteristics include:

  • Placement: It always precedes the adjective (e.g., terlalu besar, not besar terlalu).
  • Nuance: While sangat (very) is usually neutral or positive, terlalu often implies that the degree is 'too much' to be desirable.
  • Register: It is used in both formal and informal Malay. In very formal or literary contexts, you might encounter the synonym terlampau.
  • Morphology: Although it starts with the prefix ter-, it is treated as a standalone word. It does not cause any spelling changes to the adjective that follows it.

Examples (4)

  1. Baju ini terlalu mahal untuk saya.

    This shirt is too expensive for me.

    Word by Word: Shirt this too expensive for me.

    Here, 'terlalu' modifies the adjective 'mahal' (expensive) to show the price exceeds the speaker's budget.

  2. Kopi ini terlalu manis.

    This coffee is too sweet.

    Word by Word: Coffee this too sweet.

    The use of 'terlalu' suggests the sweetness is unpleasant or excessive.

  3. Dia memandu terlalu laju.

    He/She drives too fast.

    Word by Word: He/She drive too fast.

    In this case, 'terlalu' modifies the adverbial adjective 'laju' (fast) to indicate dangerous speed.

  4. Beg itu terlalu berat untuk dibawa.

    That bag is too heavy to be carried.

    Word by Word: Bag that too heavy for be-carried.

    Shows that the weight of the bag has exceeded the limit of what can be carried easily.

Common Mistakes

  • Placing 'terlalu' after the adjective.

    Rumah itu besar terlalu.
    Rumah itu terlalu besar.

    Unlike 'sangat', which can go before or after, 'terlalu' is a front intensifier and must always come before the adjective.

  • Using 'terlalu' with 'sekali' (double intensifiers).

    Masakan ini terlalu pedas sekali.
    Masakan ini terlalu pedas.

    According to standard grammar rules (Tatabahasa Dewan), you should not pair 'terlalu' with other intensifiers like 'sekali' or 'benar' in the same phrase.

How It Connects

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terlalu + AdjectiveLevel 1Excessive Degree with Terlalu

Learn This First

To use 'terlalu' (too/excessively), you first need to understand how adjectives function as predicates in Malay without a copula. It is also helpful to be familiar with other degree adverbs like 'sangat' (very) which follow the same word order.

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Words in This Pattern

terlalu