过度
guòdù · HSK 5
too
⚖️ 过 (cross/exceed) + 度 (degree) = exceed the degree → excessive
过 means to cross over or exceed; 度 means degree or measure. Together: crossing past the proper degree, i.e. too much. Common in 过度疲劳 (overtired) and 过度反应 (overreact).
过 — 辶 walk radical + 呙 (phonetic)
过 combines the walking radical 辶, suggesting motion or passage, with 呙 serving as the phonetic component. Originally it depicted crossing or passing by on foot, which extended to meanings like 'to pass,' 'to cross over,' and later 'past' or 'excessive.' The simplified form replaces the traditional 過.
度 — 广 (shelter) + 庶 abbreviated (phonetic)
Originally depicted a hand measuring length under a shelter, meaning 'to measure' or 'a measure/standard.' From this came extended senses like 'degree,' 'extent,' and 'to pass through' (as in passing time). The reading 'dù' means degree/measure, while 'duó' preserves the older verbal sense of measuring.