слишком vs очень
slishkom vs ochen' — too/excessively vs very
Register: neutral
What it really means
Очень intensifies positively or neutrally: very interesting, very tired. Слишком means too much or excessively, suggesting a limit, problem, or mismatch.
The same adjective changes meaning sharply: очень дорогой is very expensive; слишком дорогой is too expensive.
Examples in natural speech
Это очень интересная книга.
This is a very interesting book.
Я очень устал.
I am very tired.
Здесь слишком шумно.
It is too noisy here.
Этот стол слишком большой.
This table is too big.
Она говорит очень быстро.
She speaks very quickly.
Common mistakes
Do not translate every English “very” with слишком. Too expensive or too late needs слишком because excess is meant.
Memory tip
Очень adds strength; слишком crosses a reasonable limit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I say “too late”?
Слишком поздно.
Is слишком always negative?
It usually implies excess, even when not emotionally negative.
Can both modify adverbs?
Yes: очень быстро, слишком быстро.
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