"Very" intensifies without implying a problem; "too" intensifies and implies there is an excess or a problem.
Adverb. Intensifies an adjective or adverb. It is neutral: something can be very good, very big, very expensive, without that causing any problem.
The soup is very hot. Be careful.
La sopa esta muy caliente. Ten cuidado.
She is very intelligent. She learns everything quickly.
Ella es muy inteligente. Aprende todo rapidamente.
The movie was very long but I enjoyed every minute.
La pelicula fue muy larga pero disfrute cada minuto.
Adverb. Indicates excess, a degree that surpasses what is acceptable or desirable. Always implies a problem, negative consequence, or limitation.
The soup is too hot. I cannot drink it right now.
La sopa esta demasiado caliente. No puedo tomarla ahorita.
This jacket is too expensive. I cannot afford it.
Esta chaqueta esta demasiado cara. No me la puedo permitir.
He spoke too fast for me to understand.
El habló demasiado rapido para que yo pudiera entender.
Common mistake
Very common error: "The movie was too good." when you mean it was excellent. In English this implies it was SO good it caused a problem. Correct for excellence: "The movie was very good." or "The movie was so good." Use "too" only when there is a real excess that limits or causes a problem.
Trick to remember it
The "too" test: if you can finish the sentence with "...so I cannot..." or "to + verb", use "too". "It is too cold to go outside." (I cannot go out). If there is no negative consequence, use "very": "It is very cold but I love winter."
Quick rule
Very = neutral intensity. Too = excess with a negative consequence.
Did you know?
"Too" can also mean "also" at the end of a positive statement: "I like pizza too." And "so" is an emotional alternative to "very": "She is so beautiful!" implies more emotion than "She is very beautiful." English has many intensifiers — very, so, too, really, extremely, incredibly — each with its own nuance.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
I could not finish the exam. There were _____ many questions.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
The food at that restaurant is _____ good. You should try it.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Very = neutral intensity. Too = excess with a negative consequence.
Very common error: "The movie was too good." when you mean it was excellent. In English this implies it was SO good it caused a problem. Correct for excellence: "The movie was very good." or "The movie was so good." Use "too" only when there is a real excess that limits or causes a problem.
The "too" test: if you can finish the sentence with "...so I cannot..." or "to + verb", use "too". "It is too cold to go outside." (I cannot go out). If there is no negative consequence, use "very": "It is very cold but I love winter."
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy