너무 (neo-mu, neomu) · 충분히 (chung-bun-hi, chungbunhi)
'너무' implies excess or a negative nuance, while '충분히' indicates an adequate and satisfactory amount.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
An adverb used when a state or degree is excessively high or strong, usually carrying a negative or excessive nuance.
When to use
Negative excess expression, Emotional exaggeration, Emphasizing negative evaluation
The nuance
'너무' is mainly used to emphasize negative situations or excessive degrees. It sounds unnatural in positive contexts.
An adverb indicating a sufficient state that meets the necessary or required amount, used to express a positive and appropriate degree.
When to use
Expressing sufficiency, Positive evaluation, Emphasizing appropriate amount
The nuance
'충분히' is used to express an appropriate and satisfactory degree, fitting positive contexts.
이 음식은 너무 매워서 먹기 힘들어요.
i eum-sik-eun neo-mu mae-wo-seo meok-gi him-deul-eo-yo., i eum sik eun neo mu mae wo seo meok gi him deul eo yo.
'너무' appropriately expresses negative excess here.
이 음식은 충분히 매워서 맛있어요.
i eum-sik-eun chung-bun-hi mae-wo-seo mas-iss-eo-yo., i eum sik eun chung bun hi mae wo seo mas iss eo yo.
'충분히' correctly expresses a positive, adequate spiciness.
그는 너무 친절해서 부담스러워요.
geu-neun neo-mu chin-jeol-hae-seo bu-dam-seu-reo-wo-yo., geu neun neo mu chin jeol hae seo bu dam seu reo wo yo.
'너무' conveys a negative feeling about excessive kindness well.
그는 충분히 친절해서 모두 좋아해요.
geu-neun chung-bun-hi chin-jeol-hae-seo mo-du joh-a-hae-yo., geu neun chung bun hi chin jeol hae seo mo du joh a hae yo.
'충분히' positively expresses adequate kindness.
이 문제는 충분히 어렵다.
i mun-je-neun chung-bun-hi eo-ryeop-da., i mun je neun chung bun hi eo ryeop da.
'충분히' fits expressing an appropriate difficulty.
이 문제는 너무 어렵다.
i mun-je-neun neo-mu eo-ryeop-da., i mun je neun neo mu eo ryeop da.
'너무' emphasizes excessive difficulty.
나는 너무 잠이 와서 공부를 못 했어요.
na-neun neo-mu jam-i wa-seo gong-bu-reul mos haess-eo-yo., na neun neo mu jam i wa seo gong bu reul mos haess eo yo.
'너무' fits negative situation by expressing excessive sleepiness.
나는 충분히 잠이 와서 공부를 못 했어요.
na-neun chung-bun-hi jam-i wa-seo gong-bu-reul mos haess-eo-yo., na neun chung bun hi jam i wa seo gong bu reul mos haess eo yo.
'충분히' implies adequacy, not excess; inappropriate for excessive sleepiness.
Which word is appropriate to express negative excess?
When should you use '충분히'?
Which word fits: "This movie is ___ fun, so I recommend it."
Which word fits: "The weather is ___ cold, so I don't want to go outside."
What does it mean?
