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B1 auxiliary #1,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

～過ぎる

sugiru Top 1,500

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to '～過ぎる' primarily as a way to express basic physical excesses in daily life. The focus is on common verbs like 'eat' (taberu) and 'drink' (nomu). A1 students learn the basic 'masu-stem' connection. The goal is to be able to say simple things like 'I ate too much' (tabesugimashita) or 'I drank too much' (nomisugimashita). At this stage, the nuance is almost always negative—expressing a stomachache or a hangover. Learners are not expected to use it with adjectives yet, as the conjugation rules for adjectives (dropping the 'i') are slightly more complex. The emphasis is on recognizing the 'sugi' sound as a marker of 'too much.' Teachers might use it to explain why a student is tired (nerusugi - sleeping too much or rather, the lack of it, though 'nesugi' specifically means oversleeping). It's a 'survival' grammar point for describing physical states.

At the A2 level, the use of '～過ぎる' expands to include I-adjectives and Na-adjectives. Learners are taught the specific rule of dropping the 'i' (e.g., 'takai' becomes 'takasugiru') and the 'na' (e.g., 'shizuka' becomes 'shizukasugiru'). This allows students to describe their environment and express opinions more clearly. They can complain that a room is 'too hot' (atsusugiru) or a book is 'too difficult' (muzukashisugiru). A2 learners also begin to encounter the past tense '～過ぎました' and the 'te-form' '～過ぎて' to explain reasons (e.g., 'It was too expensive, so I didn't buy it'). The focus is on accuracy in conjugation, especially avoiding the common mistake of keeping the 'i' in I-adjectives. They also learn the irregular 'yosugiru' (too good) as a set phrase.

At the B1 level, learners should be comfortable with all basic conjugations and start using '～過ぎる' for more abstract concepts and social situations. This includes describing personality traits (e.g., 'majimesugiru' - too serious) or work habits ('hatarakisugiru' - overworking). B1 students learn to use '～過ぎる' in the middle of sentences to create more complex structures, such as '～過ぎないように' (in order not to do too much). They also begin to recognize the 'positive' hyperbolic use of 'sugiru' in casual conversation and media. The nuance of 'regret' or 'criticism' becomes more prominent, and learners are expected to use the auxiliary to provide nuanced feedback. They also learn the noun form '～すぎ' (e.g., 'tabesugi') and how to use it as a subject or object in a sentence. This level marks the transition from simple description to expressing complex personal judgments.

At the B2 level, '～過ぎる' is used with a high degree of fluency and is integrated with other advanced grammar. Learners can use it in formal writing and business contexts to discuss social issues like 'shoushika' (declining birthrate) or 'karoushi' (death from overwork). They understand the subtle difference between 'sugiru' and more formal alternatives like 'amari ni mo' or 'do o kosu'. B2 students can also use the negative form '～過ぎない' (not too much) effectively in advice or instructions. They are sensitive to the register and know when 'sugiru' might sound too blunt or informal. They can also handle the 'nasasugiru' (too non-existent) form of 'nai' with ease. The focus at this level is on using 'sugiru' to build persuasive arguments or detailed descriptions of complex phenomena.

At the C1 level, '～過ぎる' is used with native-like precision, including its use in literary and idiomatic expressions. Learners can appreciate how authors use 'sugiru' to create specific moods or to critique society. They understand the philosophical implications of 'excess' in Japanese culture and can discuss these topics using the auxiliary. C1 learners are also adept at using 'sugiru' in combination with other complex suffixes and particles to convey very specific shades of meaning. They can identify when 'sugiru' is being used ironically or sarcastically. Their mastery extends to the most irregular and rare combinations, and they can use the auxiliary to express very subtle emotional states that go beyond simple 'too much.' The focus is on stylistic variety and the ability to use 'sugiru' to enhance the rhetorical power of their speech and writing.

At the C2 level, the learner's use of '～過ぎる' is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. They can use it in academic papers, legal contexts, or high-level diplomacy where precision is paramount. They understand the historical evolution of the word from the verb 'sugiru' and can discuss its linguistic properties in depth. C2 learners can also play with the language, creating new, creative compounds using 'sugiru' for comedic or poetic effect. They have a complete grasp of all regional variations or archaic uses that might appear in classical literature. At this level, 'sugiru' is not just a grammar point but a versatile tool for masterful expression, used to navigate the most delicate social and intellectual landscapes with ease and sophistication.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

～過ぎる en 30 secondes

～過ぎる is an auxiliary verb meaning 'too much' or 'excessively,' used to indicate that a state or action has surpassed a desirable limit.
It conjugates as an Ichidan verb and attaches to the masu-stem of verbs, the stem of na-adjectives, and the stem (minus 'i') of i-adjectives.
While traditionally used for negative outcomes (like overeating or overworking), it is frequently used in modern slang for positive, extreme emphasis (like 'too cute').
Key exceptions include 'ii' becoming 'yosugiru' and 'nai' becoming 'nasasugiru,' which are essential for intermediate learners to master for natural speech.

The auxiliary verb ～過ぎる (sugiru) is a fundamental Japanese grammatical construct used to express that an action or a state has exceeded a desirable or normal limit. Derived from the standalone verb 過ぎる (to pass, to go beyond), when attached to the stems of other verbs or adjectives, it shifts the meaning to 'too much' or 'excessively.' This expression is inherently subjective; what is 'too much' for one person might be 'just right' for another. It often carries a nuance of regret, criticism, or physical discomfort, though in modern slang, it can occasionally be used for positive hyperbole (e.g., 'too good'). Understanding this word requires a grasp of how Japanese speakers perceive boundaries and moderation. In a culture that often values balance (wa), pointing out an excess is a common way to describe problems or provide feedback. Whether you are talking about eating too much (食べ過ぎる), a price being too high (高過ぎる), or someone being too kind (親切過ぎる), this auxiliary is your primary tool for defining the 'over-the-top' nature of reality.

Core Concept: The crossing of a threshold into a negative or overwhelming state.

昨夜は、お酒を飲み過ぎました。 (I drank too much alcohol last night.)

The versatility of ～過ぎる lies in its ability to transform the base meaning of a word into a commentary on its intensity. For instance, while 'working' (働く) is generally positive, 'overworking' (働き過ぎる) is a serious social issue in Japan. The grammatical structure effectively turns the preceding verb or adjective into a description of an 'excessive state.' It is important to note that while it usually implies a negative result, in colloquial speech, younger generations use it to emphasize extreme quality, such as 'oishisugiru' (too delicious/so delicious it's crazy). However, for B1 learners, focusing on the 'excessive' and 'negative' connotation is the safest path to natural communication.

Grammatical Class: Auxiliary Verb (Ichidan/Group 2 Verb conjugation rules apply).

このカレーは辛過ぎて、食べられません。 (This curry is too spicy; I can't eat it.)

Furthermore, the word functions as a regular Ichidan verb once attached. This means you can conjugate it into various forms: ～過ぎない (not too much), ～過ぎた (too much - past), ～過ぎれば (if too much), etc. This flexibility allows for complex sentence structures. For example, 'tabesuginaide kudasai' (please don't eat too much). The semantic range covers physical quantities, emotional states, and abstract qualities. It is one of the most frequently used auxiliaries in daily Japanese because it helps speakers navigate the social norms of 'enough' versus 'too much.'

彼は真面目過ぎるから、たまには休んだほうがいい。 (He is too serious, so he should rest once in a while.)

Semantic Nuance: Often implies that the excess leads to a problem or an undesirable outcome.

テレビを見過ぎて、目が痛くなりました。 (I watched too much TV, and my eyes started to hurt.)

この靴は私には大き過ぎます。 (These shoes are too big for me.)

Mastering ～過ぎる requires understanding three distinct conjugation patterns based on the word type it attaches to. It is an auxiliary that follows the 'stem' of the word. Let's break down the mechanics for verbs, i-adjectives, and na-adjectives. For verbs, you use the 'masu-stem' (the part before 'masu'). For example, 'tabemasu' becomes 'tabe-', then add 'sugiru' to get 'tabesugiru'. This applies to all verb groups (Godan, Ichidan, and Irregular). For 'suru' verbs like 'benkyou suru', it becomes 'benkyou shisugiru'.

Verb Rule: Masu-stem + 過ぎる (e.g., 飲み + 過ぎる = 飲み過ぎる)

最近、働き過ぎじゃないですか？ (Aren't you overworking lately?)

When dealing with I-adjectives, the process involves dropping the final 'i' and attaching 'sugiru'. For example, 'atsui' (hot) becomes 'atsusugiru' (too hot). A crucial exception to remember is the adjective 'ii' (good) or 'yoi'. It doesn't become 'isugiru'; instead, it follows its 'yoi' root and becomes yosugiru. Similarly, the negative 'nai' (as in 'not there' or as an auxiliary) becomes nasasugiru. These two exceptions are frequent stumbling blocks for intermediate learners.

I-Adjective Rule: Remove 'i' + 過ぎる (e.g., 高い -> 高過ぎる)

このテストは難し過ぎて、全然わかりませんでした。 (This test was too difficult; I didn't understand it at all.)

Na-adjectives are the simplest: just take the stem (the word without 'na') and add 'sugiru'. For example, 'shizuka' (quiet) becomes 'shizukasugiru' (too quiet). Once the 'sugiru' is attached, the entire compound functions as a Group 2 (Ichidan) verb. This means you can use it in the 'te-form' to connect sentences, the 'nai-form' for negation, or the 'ta-form' for the past tense. It can even be turned back into a noun by using the stem 'sugi' (e.g., 'tabesugi' meaning 'overeating').

Na-Adjective Rule: Adjective Stem + 過ぎる (e.g., 暇 + 過ぎる = 暇過ぎる)

この部屋は静か過ぎて、少し怖いです。 (This room is too quiet; it's a bit scary.)

運が良すぎるのも、ちょっと不安だ。 (Being too lucky is also a bit worrying.)

Finally, consider the register. ～過ぎる is used in both polite and casual speech. In polite speech, it becomes ～過ぎます. In casual speech, it stays as ～過ぎる or is shortened to just ～すぎ in noun form. It is a versatile tool that allows you to express dissatisfaction or extreme conditions across all levels of formality. When you want to emphasize the 'too muchness' even more, you can add adverbs like 'amari ni mo' (excessively) before the whole phrase.

あまりにも忙しすぎて、昼ご飯を食べる時間がなかった。 (I was so excessively busy that I didn't have time to eat lunch.)

You will encounter ～過ぎる in almost every facet of Japanese life, from the doctor's office to the latest anime. In a medical or health context, it is used to describe lifestyle excesses that lead to illness. Doctors will frequently warn patients about 'tabesugi' (overeating), 'nomisugi' (overdrinking), or 'hatarakisugi' (overworking). These are not just descriptions; they are diagnoses of imbalance. If you visit a clinic in Japan, you are almost guaranteed to hear this auxiliary used as a cautionary tale.

Daily Life: Used for complaints about weather, prices, or personal habits.

今年の夏は暑すぎますね。 (This summer is too hot, isn't it?)

In the workplace, ～過ぎる is often used to describe workload or deadlines. It can be a polite way to push back on a request: 'Kono sukejuuru wa chotto kibishisugimasu' (This schedule is a bit too strict). It also appears in corporate training regarding 'compliance' and 'harassment,' where certain behaviors are described as 'iki-sugita' (gone too far). In business negotiations, it helps in discussing prices or terms that are not acceptable because they exceed the budget ('takasugiru').

Entertainment & Media: Used for dramatic emphasis in anime, variety shows, and social media.

このアニメ、面白すぎる！ (This anime is too interesting/so good!)

On social media platforms like X (Twitter) or Instagram, the 'positive' use of ～過ぎる is rampant. You'll see hashtags like #美味しすぎる (#TooDelicious) or #可愛すぎる (#TooCute). In this context, it functions as a superlative, similar to 'to die for' in English. It expresses an emotion so strong that it 'overflows' the speaker's capacity to contain it. This is a significant shift from the traditional 'negative' use, and as a B1 learner, recognizing this shift will help you understand modern Japanese internet culture.

彼女は歌が上手すぎる。 (She is too good at singing.)

Education & Parenting: Used by teachers and parents to correct behavior.

ゲームをやりすぎですよ。 (You're playing games too much.)

昨日、寝すぎて頭が痛い。 (I slept too much yesterday and my head hurts.)

One of the most frequent errors for students learning ～過ぎる is failing to properly modify the base word before attaching the auxiliary. For I-adjectives, many learners forget to drop the final 'i'. They might say 'oishiisugiru' instead of the correct oishisugiru. This extra 'i' makes the word sound clunky and grammatically incorrect to a native ear. Always remember: the 'i' must go before 'sugiru' can arrive.

Mistake 1: Keeping the 'i': Incorrect: 寒い過ぎる (Samui-sugiru) -> Correct: 寒過ぎる (Samu-sugiru)

❌ この服は高い過ぎる。
✅ この服は高過ぎる。

Another common pitfall involves the irregular adjective 'ii' (good). Because 'ii' is so common, learners often try to follow the standard rule and say 'isugiru'. However, as mentioned in the usage section, 'ii' must change to its 'yoi' form, resulting in yosugiru. Note the extra 'sa' is NOT used here (it's not 'yosasugiru' unless you are using the negative 'nai' form). Similarly, 'nai' (not) becomes 'nasasugiru' (too non-existent/too little), which is a very specific but important exception.

Mistake 2: Irregular Adjectives: Incorrect: いい過ぎる (Ii-sugiru) -> Correct: 良すぎる (Yo-sugiru)

❌ 彼の性格はいい過ぎる。
✅ 彼の性格は良すぎる。

A third mistake is confusing 'sugiru' with 'amari' or 'totemo'. While 'totemo' means 'very' (neutral/positive), 'sugiru' specifically means 'excessively' (usually negative). Using 'sugiru' for a compliment can sometimes sound backhanded or strange if not done with the right intonation. For example, saying 'Anata wa kireisugiru' (You are too beautiful) might imply that your beauty is causing a problem, whereas 'Totemo kirei' is a straightforward compliment. Be mindful of the social implications of 'excess.'

Mistake 3: Verb Stem Errors: Incorrect: 飲む過ぎる (Nomu-sugiru) -> Correct: 飲み過ぎる (Nomi-sugiru)

❌ コーヒーを飲む過ぎた。
✅ コーヒーを飲み過ぎた。

Finally, learners often struggle with the noun form. When you want to say 'overeating' as a subject, you should use 'tabesugi' (the stem of 'tabesugiru'). Adding 'no' after 'sugiru' (sugiru no) is possible but less natural in many cases where the simple stem 'sugi' suffices. For example, 'Tabesugi wa karada ni warui' (Overeating is bad for the body) is much more common than 'Tabesugiru no wa...'. Mastering the transition between the verb and noun forms of this auxiliary is a hallmark of reaching the B1 level.

❌ 飲み過ぎるは良くない。
✅ 飲み過ぎは良くない。

While ～過ぎる is the most common way to express excess, Japanese has several other words and structures that overlap in meaning. Understanding the differences between them will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is あまり (amari). When used in an affirmative sentence, 'amari ni (mo)' means 'excessively' or 'too.' However, 'amari' is an adverb that precedes the adjective or verb, whereas 'sugiru' is a suffix. 'Amari' often sounds more formal or literary than 'sugiru'.

Comparison: sugiru vs. amari: 'Sugiru' is a suffix (integrated); 'Amari' is an adverb (separate). 'Amari' is often used with 'sugiru' for double emphasis.

あまりに高くて買えません。 (It's so expensive I can't buy it.) vs. 高過ぎて買えません。

Another similar word is 度を越す (do o kosu), which literally means 'to cross the degree/limit.' This is much more formal and is often used in serious discussions about behavior or social phenomena. While you might say your friend is 'shinsetsu-sugiru' (too kind), you would use 'do o koshite-iru' to describe someone whose behavior has become socially unacceptable or extreme in a way that requires intervention. It carries a heavier weight of judgment.

Comparison: sugiru vs. do o kosu: 'Sugiru' is everyday/versatile; 'Do o kosu' is formal/serious judgment.

彼のいたずらは度を越している。 (His pranks have gone too far.)

Then there is 余計に (yokei ni), which means 'excessively' or 'unnecessarily.' This is often used when something extra is added that wasn't needed, often making a situation worse. For example, 'yokei na osewa' means 'unnecessary meddling.' While 'sugiru' focuses on the quantity or intensity, 'yokei' focuses on the fact that the action or thing was uncalled for in the first place. If you 'eat too much,' it's 'tabesugiru.' If you eat an 'extra' portion you didn't need, it's 'yokei ni taberu'.

Comparison: sugiru vs. yokei: 'Sugiru' = excessive intensity; 'Yokei' = unnecessary/extra.

余計なことは言わないでください。 (Please don't say unnecessary things.)

Lastly, ～すぎる can be compared to the prefix 超 (chou) or めちゃ (mecha) in slang. While 'chou-oishii' means 'super delicious,' 'oishisugiru' means 'too delicious.' In modern Japanese, they are often used interchangeably to mean 'very,' but 'sugiru' still retains that sense of 'overflowing' or 'breaking the scale' that 'chou' doesn't necessarily have. 'Chou' is just a high level; 'sugiru' is a level that shouldn't be possible.

この服、可愛すぎて死ぬ！ (This outfit is so cute I could die! - Hyperbolic slang)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

昨日、お酒を飲みすぎました。

I drank too much alcohol yesterday.

Verb stem (nomi) + sugimashita (past polite).

ご飯を食べすぎました。

I ate too much food.

Verb stem (tabe) + sugimashita.

テレビを見すぎました。

I watched too much TV.

Verb stem (mi) + sugimashita.

昨日、寝すぎました。

I slept too much yesterday.

Verb stem (ne) + sugimashita.

お菓子を買いすぎました。

I bought too many sweets.

Verb stem (kai) + sugimashita.

水を飲みすぎないでください。

Please don't drink too much water.

Verb stem (nomi) + suginaide (negative request).

走りすぎて、疲れました。

I ran too much and got tired.

Verb stem (hashiri) + sugite (te-form for reason).

話しすぎました。すみません。

I talked too much. I'm sorry.

Verb stem (hanashi) + sugimashita.

このカバンは高すぎます。

This bag is too expensive.

I-adj stem (taka) + sugimasu.

今日は暑すぎますね。

It's too hot today, isn't it?

I-adj stem (atsu) + sugimasu.

この部屋は静かすぎます。

This room is too quiet.

Na-adj stem (shizuka) + sugimasu.

テストが難しすぎました。

The test was too difficult.

I-adj stem (muzukashi) + sugimashita.

この靴は大きすぎます。

These shoes are too big.

I-adj stem (ooki) + sugimasu.

荷物が重すぎます。

The luggage is too heavy.

I-adj stem (omo) + sugimasu.

あの人は親切すぎます。

That person is too kind.

Na-adj stem (shinsetsu) + sugimasu.

このお茶は苦すぎます。

This tea is too bitter.

I-adj stem (niga) + sugimasu.

彼は真面目すぎるので、少し心配です。

He is too serious, so I'm a bit worried.

Na-adj stem (majime) + sugiru (dictionary form).

食べすぎは体に良くないですよ。

Overeating is not good for your body.

Noun form (tabesugi) used as a subject.

この計画は、少し複雑すぎませんか？

Isn't this plan a bit too complicated?

Na-adj stem (fukuzatsu) + sugimasen ka (polite question).

自分を責めすぎないでください。

Please don't blame yourself too much.

Verb stem (seme) + suginaide (negative request).

この映画は、私には怖すぎました。

This movie was too scary for me.

I-adj stem (kowa) + sugimashita.

最近、働きすぎている人が多いです。

Lately, there are many people who are overworking.

Verb stem (hataraki) + sugite iru (continuous state).

運が良すぎて、逆に怖いです。

My luck is too good; it's actually scary.

Irregular 'ii' becomes 'yosugite'.

このスープは、塩を入れすぎました。

I put too much salt in this soup.

Verb stem (ire) + sugimashita.

現代人は、情報を得すぎているのかもしれない。

Modern people might be getting too much information.

Verb stem (e) + sugite iru + no kamoshirenai (speculation).

期待しすぎると、がっかりする可能性が高い。

If you expect too much, there's a high possibility you'll be disappointed.

Verb stem (kitai shi) + sugiru to (conditional).

彼の発言は、冗談としては行きすぎている。

His remarks have gone too far for a joke.

Verb stem (iki) + sugite iru (metaphorical 'gone too far').

この薬は、飲みすぎると副作用が出ます。

If you take too much of this medicine, side effects will occur.

Verb stem (nomi) + sugiru to (conditional).

自由すぎると、何をすればいいか分からなくなる。

If you have too much freedom, you end up not knowing what to do.

I-adj stem (jiyuu) + sugiru to.

その説明は、簡略化しすぎではないでしょうか。

Don't you think that explanation is oversimplified?

Verb stem (kanryakuka shi) + sugi (noun form) + de wa nai deshou ka.

あまりにも美しすぎて、言葉が出なかった。

It was so excessively beautiful that I was speechless.

Amari ni mo (emphasis) + I-adj stem (utsukushi) + sugite.

慎重すぎると、チャンスを逃してしまいますよ。

If you are too cautious, you will miss opportunities.

Na-adj stem (shinchou) + sugiru to.

その描写は、あまりにも現実離れしすぎている。

That depiction is far too detached from reality.

Verb stem (genjitsu banare shi) + sugite iru.

過保護すぎることが、子供の自立を妨げる場合がある。

Being overprotective can sometimes hinder a child's independence.

Na-adj stem (kahogo) + sugiru koto (nominalized).

彼の文章は、修飾語が多すぎて読みにくい。

His writing has too many modifiers and is hard to read.

I-adj stem (oo) + sugite.

その政策は、理想を追求しすぎている感がある。

There's a sense that the policy is pursuing ideals too much.

Verb stem (tsuikyuu shi) + sugite iru.

繊細すぎる感性は、時に本人を苦しめる。

A sensibility that is too delicate sometimes causes the person suffering.

I-adj stem (sensai) + sugiru (attributive).

この問題は、一般化しすぎるのは危険だ。

It is dangerous to overgeneralize this issue.

Verb stem (ippanka shi) + sugiru no wa.

技術が進化しすぎることへの恐怖を抱いている。

I harbor a fear of technology evolving too much.

Verb stem (shinka shi) + sugiru koto.

彼はあまりに無欲すぎて、逆に出世欲がないのが目立つ。

He is so excessively free of greed that his lack of ambition stands out.

Na-adj stem (muyoku) + sugite.

言語の壁を意識しすぎると、かえって疎通が滞る。

If one is too conscious of language barriers, communication becomes more hindered.

Verb stem (ishiki shi) + sugiru to.

その議論は、抽象化の度を越しすぎている。

That argument has gone too far in its degree of abstraction.

Verb stem (koshi) + sugite iru (double excess emphasis).

あまりにも完璧主義すぎると、創作活動が停滞する。

Being too much of a perfectionist causes creative activities to stagnate.

Na-adj stem (kanpeki shugi) + sugiru to.

社会が効率を求めすぎるあまり、大切なものが失われている。

Because society seeks efficiency too much, important things are being lost.

Verb stem (motome) + sugiru amari (resultative structure).

自己犠牲が美徳とされすぎる風潮には、疑問を感じる。

I feel doubt about the trend where self-sacrifice is overly regarded as a virtue.

Passive verb stem (sare) + sugiru.

その演出は、観客の感情を煽りすぎているように思える。

It seems that the direction is overly stirring up the audience's emotions.

Verb stem (aori) + sugite iru.

論理的に正しすぎる主張は、時に人を遠ざける。

An argument that is too logically correct sometimes alienates people.

I-adj stem (tadashi) + sugiru.

過去を美化しすぎるのは、未来への歩みを遅らせる。

Over-idealizing the past slows down one's progress toward the future.

Verb stem (bika shi) + sugiru no wa.

Collocations courantes

食べ過ぎる (tabesugiru)

飲み過ぎる (nomisugiru)

働き過ぎる (hatarakisugiru)

考え過ぎる (kangaesugiru)

期待し過ぎる (kitai shisugiru)

高過ぎる (takasugiru)

暑過ぎる (atsusugiru)

難し過ぎる (muzukashisugiru)

真面目過ぎる (majimesugiru)

良すぎる (yosugiru)

Phrases Courantes

食べすぎ注意 (tabesugi chuui - watch out for overeating)

飲みすぎた翌日 (nomisugita yokujitsu - the day after drinking too much)

考えすぎだよ (kangaesugi da yo - you're overthinking it)

冗談が過ぎる (joudan ga sugiru - the joke has gone too far)

度が過ぎる (do ga sugiru - to go too far/be excessive)

大きすぎる問題 (ookisugiru mondai - a problem that is too big)

早すぎる決断 (hayasugiru ketsudan - a decision made too early)

甘すぎるお菓子 (amasugiru okashi - sweets that are too sweet)

静かすぎる夜 (shizukasugiru yoru - a night that is too quiet)

忙しすぎる毎日 (isogashisugiru mainichi - every day being too busy)

Souvent confondu avec

～過ぎる vs あまり (amari)

Amari is an adverb (precedes); sugiru is a suffix (follows).

～過ぎる vs とても (totemo)

Totemo means 'very' (neutral); sugiru means 'too much' (excessive).

～過ぎる vs かなり (kanari)

Kanari means 'considerably' (often positive/neutral); sugiru is 'excessive'.

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

～過ぎる vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

grammar type

Functions as a Group 2 (Ichidan) verb once attached.

negative context

Traditionally used for negative outcomes (e.g., eating too much leads to a stomachache).

positive context

Modern usage allows for positive emphasis (e.g., 'too cute').

Erreurs courantes

→ おいし過ぎる (oishisugiru)
You must drop the final 'i' of an i-adjective before adding 'sugiru'.
→ 良すぎる (yosugiru)
The adjective 'ii' is irregular and must change to 'yo' before 'sugiru'.
→ 飲み過ぎる (nomisugiru)
Verbs must be in the masu-stem form (nomi), not the dictionary form (nomu).
→ 静か過ぎる (shizukasugiru)
For na-adjectives, remove the 'na' and use only the stem.
→ 食べすぎは良くない (tabesugi wa yokunai)
When using the concept as a noun/subject, use the stem 'sugi' instead of the full verb 'sugiru'.

Astuces

Drop the 'i'!

Always remember to remove the final 'i' from i-adjectives. 'Samuisugiru' is wrong; 'samusugiru' is right. This is the #1 mistake students make. Practice by saying 'taka-sugiru', 'atsu-sugiru', and 'oishi-sugiru' until it feels natural.

The 'ii' Exception

Memorize 'yosugiru' as a single unit. Since 'ii' is used so often, you will need this word constantly. Whether you're talking about the weather or someone's personality, 'yosugiru' is the correct way to say 'too good'.

Use for Complaints

If you want to sound more natural when complaining, use '～過ぎて' followed by the problem. For example, 'Atsusugite nemuremasen' (It's too hot, so I can't sleep). This 'reason + result' structure is very common in Japanese.

Subjective Excess

Remember that 'sugiru' is subjective. When you use it, you are expressing *your* opinion that something is too much. This makes it a great tool for sharing your perspective in a conversation.

Positive Hyperbole

Don't be afraid to use 'sugiru' for things you love when talking to friends. 'Kono keiki, oishisugiru!' (This cake is too delicious!) shows high enthusiasm and makes you sound more like a native speaker.

Noun Form for Titles

When labeling a section in a journal or a list, use the noun form '～すぎ'. For example, 'Nomisugi ni chuui' (Watch out for overdrinking). It's punchy and professional.

Catch the 'Sugi'

In anime or dramas, characters often shout 'Sugi da yo!' (It's too much!) when someone does something crazy. Listening for this will help you identify the climax or the 'breaking point' of a scene.

Conjugate it!

Treat 'sugiru' like any other Group 2 verb. You can say 'sugita' (past), 'suginai' (negative), or 'sugireba' (if). This flexibility allows you to use it in many different sentence patterns.

Softening Criticism

To make a criticism softer, add 'chotto' (a little) before the 'sugiru' word. 'Chotto takasugimasu ne' (It's a little too expensive, isn't it?) sounds much more polite than just saying it's too expensive.

Doctor's Talk

If you go to a doctor in Japan, you'll hear 'sugiru' words related to health. 'Tabesugi' (overeating) and 'nomisugi' (overdrinking) are the most common. Knowing these will help you understand medical advice.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Originally meant 'to pass by a physical location.' Over time, it evolved to mean 'to pass a point in time' and then 'to exceed a conceptual limit or degree.'

Contexte culturel

Using 'sugiru' to describe oneself (e.g., 'I worked too much') is a common way to show humility or seek sympathy without being direct.

Hashtags like #可愛すぎる (too cute) are used to create viral content by emphasizing extreme appeal.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"最近、忙しすぎませんか？ (Haven't you been too busy lately?)"

"この料理、ちょっと辛すぎませんか？ (Isn't this dish a bit too spicy?)"

"昨日、寝すぎちゃって体がだるいです。(I slept too much yesterday and feel sluggish.)"

"そのカバン、高すぎない？ (Isn't that bag too expensive?)"

"最近の夏は暑すぎますね。(Summers lately are too hot, aren't they?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、やりすぎたことは何ですか？ (What did you do too much of today?)

最近、食べすぎているものはありますか？ (Is there anything you've been eating too much of lately?)

あなたが「良すぎる」と思う映画は何ですか？ (What is a movie you think is 'too good'?)

働きすぎることについてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about overworking?)

自分は真面目すぎると思いますか？ (Do you think you are too serious?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, no. 'Sugiru' attaches to verb stems and adjective stems. If you want to say 'too much of a noun,' you usually use a verb like 'ari-sugiru' (there is too much) or 'kai-sugiru' (bought too much). For example, instead of 'money-sugiru,' you would say 'okane ga ari-sugiru' (having too much money). There are very rare exceptions in slang, but for B1, stick to verbs and adjectives.

'Tabesugiru' is the verb form ('to eat too much'). 'Tabesugi' is the noun form ('overeating'). You use 'tabesugiru' when you want to describe the action: 'I ate too much.' You use 'tabesugi' when you want to use it as a noun: 'Overeating is bad.' Both are very common, but 'tabesugi' is more concise for titles or general statements.

In strict grammar, no. It should be 'oishisugiru.' However, in very casual, fast-paced speech, you might occasionally hear people accidentally leave the 'i' in, or do it for a specific cute effect. But as a learner, you should always use 'oishisugiru' to avoid sounding like you don't know the rules. It's a very noticeable mistake.

You use the negative form '～過ぎない' (suginai). For example, 'tabesuginai' means 'not eat too much.' If you want to say 'Please don't eat too much,' you say 'tabesuginaide kudasai.' It's a very useful way to give advice or set limits for yourself and others.

This is because the adjective 'ii' (good) actually comes from the older word 'yoi.' In Japanese grammar, whenever 'ii' needs to be conjugated (into the past, negative, or with an auxiliary), it reverts to its 'yoi' stem. Therefore, 'yoi' + 'sugiru' becomes 'yosugiru.' It's one of the most important irregular patterns to memorize.

Yes, but in a different way. As a standalone verb, 'sugiru' means 'to pass.' For example, '3-ji o sugiru' means 'to pass 3 o'clock.' As an auxiliary, you could say 'machi-sugiru' (waited too long). It's very common to use it to express that a duration of time was excessive.

'Sugiru' itself is the dictionary form. To make it polite, you conjugate it like any other Ichidan verb: '～過ぎます' (sugimasu). It is perfectly acceptable in polite conversation. In formal writing, however, you might use more academic terms like 'kado ni' (excessively) instead of the auxiliary form.

'Nasasugiru' is the 'sugiru' form of 'nai' (not/none). It means 'there is too little' or 'it is too non-existent.' For example, 'yaru-ki ga nasasugiru' means 'having too little motivation.' The 'sa' is added between 'na' and 'sugiru' for phonetic reasons, similar to 'yosasugiru'.

Yes, you can. For example, 'deki-sugiru' means 'to be too able' or 'to do too well' (often used for a student who is too smart). It follows the same rule: take the masu-stem of the potential verb (dekimasu -> deki) and add 'sugiru'. It's a common way to describe someone who is over-qualified.

It is used heavily in both. In speaking, it's a go-to for expressing feelings and complaints. In writing, it's used to describe conditions and results. However, in very formal or technical writing, you might see it replaced by prefixes like 'ka-' (excessive), such as 'kashoku' (overeating) instead of 'tabesugi'.