The suffix -sugiru denotes that something is done to excess or is beyond a normal degree.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Indicates that an action or state exceeds the appropriate limit.
- Can express both negative regret and positive emphasis.
- Attaches to verbs, i-adjectives, and na-adjectives.
Overview
- 1概要：「〜過ぎる」は、ある状態や動作が「適度な範囲を超えている」ことを示す重要な文法表現です。文脈によって「やりすぎた（後悔）」というネガティブな意味と、「非常に〜である（強調）」というポジティブな意味の両方で使われます。2) 使用パターン：動詞の場合は「ます形」から「ます」を除いたもの（例：食べ＋過ぎる）、形容詞の場合は「い」を除いたもの（例：暑＋過ぎる）、形容動詞の場合は語幹（例：静か＋過ぎる）に接続します。3) 一般的な文脈：日常生活での失敗談（飲み過ぎた）、健康状態（疲れ過ぎた）、あるいは物事の程度を強調する際（面白過ぎる）に多用されます。4) 類似表現との比較：似た表現に「〜すぎる」と「〜過剰」がありますが、「〜過ぎる」は動詞として自然に使える点が特徴です。「過剰」は名詞として「過剰な期待」のように使われるため、文法的な役割が異なります。
Examples
昨日、食べ過ぎてお腹が痛いです。
everydayI ate too much yesterday and my stomach hurts.
その要求はあまりに高過ぎます。
formalThat demand is far too high.
この映画、面白過ぎる！
informalThis movie is way too good!
過度な労働は健康を害する。
academicExcessive labor harms health.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
考え過ぎ
overthinking
寝過ぎ
oversleeping
言い過ぎ
taking it too far (in speech)
Often Confused With
When used as a standalone word in slang, it functions as an intensifier. The suffix form is strictly grammatical.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The suffix is highly versatile, fitting into both casual and formal speech. In formal writing, it is often preferred to use noun forms like '過剰' or '過多'. When speaking, ensure the stem is used correctly to avoid sounding unnatural.
Common Mistakes
The most common error is keeping the 'i' in i-adjectives (e.g., 'takaisugiru' is wrong). Another mistake is using it with nouns directly without a verb. Always remember to use the stem form.
Tips
Drop the 'i' for adjectives
Always remove the final 'i' from i-adjectives before adding 'sugiru'. For example, 'takai' becomes 'takasugiru'.
Negative connotation in verbs
When used with verbs, it almost always implies a negative result. Be careful not to use it for positive actions like 'studying too much' unless you regret it.
Use in casual conversation
Younger generations often use 'sugiru' as a standalone adverb in casual speech, like 'Sugiru!' to mean 'That's too much/awesome'.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'sugiru' (to pass/exceed). Over time, it grammaticalized into a suffix indicating that a state has passed the acceptable limit.
Cultural Context
Japanese culture values moderation ('chudo'). Therefore, using 'sugiru' often points to a state that deviates from the ideal balanced path, making it a frequently used term in daily life.
Memory Tip
Think of 'sugiru' as a 'surplus' (sugi). If you have a 'sugi' (surplus) of an action, you have done it too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsいいえ、形容詞の場合は「い」を取るのがルールです。「美味し過ぎる」が正しい形です。
はい、使えます。「面白過ぎる」「素敵過ぎる」のように、程度が非常に高いことを強調する際に使われます。
どちらも使われますが、公的な文書や教科書ではひらがなの「すぎる」が一般的です。漢字を使うと少し強調された印象になります。
いいえ、名詞には直接つきません。「時間過ぎる」とは言わず、「時間が経ち過ぎる」のように動詞を介する必要があります。
Test Yourself
昨日、お酒を飲み___しまいました。
動詞の連用形（ます形）に接続するため、「飲み＋過ぎ」が正解です。
この部屋は___。
形容詞「広い」の語幹「広」に直接接続します。
（忙しい / 過ぎて / 今日は / 疲れた）
「忙しい」の語幹「忙し」＋「過ぎて」が正しい接続です。
Score: /3
Summary
The suffix -sugiru denotes that something is done to excess or is beyond a normal degree.
- Indicates that an action or state exceeds the appropriate limit.
- Can express both negative regret and positive emphasis.
- Attaches to verbs, i-adjectives, and na-adjectives.
Drop the 'i' for adjectives
Always remove the final 'i' from i-adjectives before adding 'sugiru'. For example, 'takai' becomes 'takasugiru'.
Negative connotation in verbs
When used with verbs, it almost always implies a negative result. Be careful not to use it for positive actions like 'studying too much' unless you regret it.
Use in casual conversation
Younger generations often use 'sugiru' as a standalone adverb in casual speech, like 'Sugiru!' to mean 'That's too much/awesome'.
Examples
4 of 4昨日、食べ過ぎてお腹が痛いです。
I ate too much yesterday and my stomach hurts.
その要求はあまりに高過ぎます。
That demand is far too high.
この映画、面白過ぎる！
This movie is way too good!
過度な労働は健康を害する。
Excessive labor harms health.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More food words
〜ほど
B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
熟成した
B1Aged; matured.
