B1 noun #1,000 most common 5 min read

~すぎる

It means 'too much' or 'excessively' when added to the end of a verb or adjective.

sugiru
Practice it

Explanation at your level:

Hello! '~すぎる' is like a little helper word in Japanese. You add it to the end of other words to say that something is 'too much'. Imagine you ate lots and lots of candy – you could say you ate candy 'too much'! It’s used when you do something a bit more than you should. For example, if it's very hot outside, you can say 'hot too much'. It’s a simple way to show that something is a little bit extra!

The suffix '~すぎる' is used in Japanese to show that an action or a quality is excessive. You attach it to the stem of verbs and adjectives. For example, if you drink too much water, you say 水を飲みすぎる (mizu o nomisugiru). If a book is too interesting, you say 面白すぎる (omoshirosugiru). It helps you express that something has gone beyond the normal or desired level. It's a very common and useful expression for everyday situations.

The Japanese suffix '~すぎる' (sugiru) is a powerful tool for expressing excess. It's added to the stem of verbs and i-adjectives, and to the stem of na-adjectives. For instance, 働きすぎる (hatarakisugiru) means 'to work too much', and 高すぎる (takasugiru) means 'too expensive'. Understanding how to use '~すぎる' allows you to convey nuances like overdoing an action, finding something extremely (perhaps uncomfortably) intense, or expressing a strong personal reaction. It’s frequently used in casual conversation to emphasize a point.

The auxiliary verb '~すぎる' serves to indicate that an action or state exceeds a normal or acceptable limit. It's conjugated like a regular verb and attaches to the continuative form of verbs and the stem of adjectives. For example, 待ちすぎる (machisugiru) means 'to wait too long', and 悲しすぎる (kanashisugiru) means 'too sad'. This suffix is crucial for expressing subjective judgments, exaggerations, and even mild criticism. Native speakers use it extensively to add emphasis and personal perspective to their statements, distinguishing it from purely objective descriptions.

The suffix '~すぎる' (sugiru) is a grammatical marker indicating an action or state that surpasses a conventional or optimal threshold. Its application to the masu-stem of verbs and the stem of adjectives (including na-adjectives) allows for nuanced expression of excess, often implying a negative consequence or an overwhelming degree. For example, 食べすぎる (tabesugiru) can imply not just eating a lot, but potentially feeling unwell afterward. It’s employed in contexts ranging from personal anecdotes to critical reviews, where the speaker wishes to convey a strong sense of something being 'over the top' or 'excessive' in a particular dimension.

The auxiliary verb '~すぎる' (sugiru), derived from the verb meaning 'to pass' or 'exceed', functions as a highly productive suffix in modern Japanese. It is appended to the continuative form of verbs and the stem of adjectives to denote an action or quality that goes beyond a normative or desirable boundary. Its usage extends beyond simple exaggeration, often carrying connotations of regret, discomfort, or even social commentary. For instance, 働きすぎる (hatarakisugiru) can evoke the social issue of karoshi (death from overwork). The grammatical flexibility and semantic richness of '~すぎる' make it a key element in advanced Japanese discourse, reflecting cultural attitudes towards moderation and excess.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • ~すぎる is a suffix meaning 'too much' or 'excessively'.
  • It attaches to the stem of verbs and adjectives.
  • Used to express actions or states exceeding normal limits.
  • Common in daily conversation for emphasis and expressing opinions.

Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese suffix '~すぎる' (sugiru). Think of it as your go-to for when something is just… a little bit much! When you attach it to the end of a verb or an adjective, it tells you that the action or the quality is happening or existing more than it should, or more than is normal. It’s like a little warning sign that says, 'Whoa, slow down!' or 'That’s a bit much!'

For instance, if you love ramen and eat a huge bowl, you might say ラーメンを食べすぎる (rāmen o tabesugiru) – 'I ate too much ramen'. Or if a movie was incredibly sad, you could describe it as 悲しすぎる (kanashisugiru) – 'too sad'. It’s a fantastic way to add nuance and express exaggeration in your Japanese. Mastering '~すぎる' will definitely make your conversations more colorful and expressive!

The suffix '~すぎる' comes from the verb sugiru (過ぎる), which itself means 'to pass', 'to go beyond', or 'to exceed'. This verb has a long history in the Japanese language, with its roots tracing back to classical Japanese. The kanji 過ぎ (sugi) is used in many words related to passing time, exceeding limits, or going beyond a certain point.

Over time, sugiru evolved from a standalone verb into a versatile auxiliary verb and suffix. Its grammatical function solidified as a way to modify the meaning of other verbs and adjectives, adding that crucial sense of excess. This grammaticalization is common in many languages, where full verbs can become grammatical markers. The usage of '~すぎる' became a standard way to express overdoing something, making it an indispensable part of everyday Japanese communication.

Using '~すぎる' is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it! Remember, it attaches to the *stem* of verbs and adjectives. For verbs, you take the masu-stem (the part before '-masu'). For i-adjectives, you just use the adjective directly. For na-adjectives, you drop the 'na' and attach '~すぎる' to the stem (e.g., きれい (kirei) -> きれいすぎる (kirei sugiru)).

It's super common in everyday chat. You'll hear people say things like: 暑すぎる (atsusugiru) – 'too hot', or maybe 疲れたすぎる (tsukareta sugiru) – 'too tired'. Be mindful of the context, though! While '~すぎる' is great for expressing personal feelings or observations, in very formal business settings, you might opt for more polite or neutral phrasing. However, for expressing strong opinions or reactions, it's perfect. Think of common phrases like: 難しすぎる (muzukashisugiru) – 'too difficult', or maybe even something funny like 笑いすぎる (waraisugiru) – 'laughed too much'. It really adds emphasis!

While '~すぎる' is a suffix and not typically part of standalone idioms, the concept of 'excess' it represents is woven into many Japanese expressions. The core idea of 'going beyond' or 'exceeding' is fundamental.

Here are some ways the *concept* of excess, related to the meaning of '~すぎる', appears:

  • 自業自得 (jigou jitoku): This idiom means 'reap what you sow' or 'get what you deserve'. It implies that negative consequences are a result of one's own excessive actions or poor choices. Example: 遅刻しすぎた結果、会議に間に合わなかった。自業自得だ。(Chikoku shisugita kekka, kaigi ni maniawanakatta. Jigou jitoku da.) - 'As a result of being too late, I didn't make it to the meeting. I deserve it.'
  • 度を越す (do o kosu): Literally 'to exceed the degree/limit'. This phrase directly relates to going too far. Example: 彼の冗談はいつも度を越している。(Kare no joudan wa itsumo do o koshite iru.) - 'His jokes always go too far.'
  • やりすぎる (yarisugiru): This is the verb 'to do too much', a direct application of the suffix. Example: 心配しすぎて、何もできなくなった。(Shinpai shisugite, nani mo dekinaku natta.) - 'I worried too much and became unable to do anything.'
  • 飽きすぎる (akisugiru): To become too bored or tired of something. Example: そのゲームは簡単すぎて飽きすぎた。(Sono geemu wa kantan sugite akisugita.) - 'That game was too easy and I got too bored.'
  • 甘やかす (amayakasu): While not directly using '~すぎる', this verb means 'to spoil' someone, often by giving them too much of something (like attention or gifts), which is a form of excess. Example: 子供を甘やかしすぎないように注意してください。(Kodomo o amayakashi suginai youni chuui shite kudasai.) - 'Please be careful not to spoil the child too much.'

Grammatically, '~すぎる' functions as an auxiliary verb. It attaches to the stem of verbs and i-adjectives, and to the stem of na-adjectives (after dropping the 'na'). When forming the polite '-masu' form, you conjugate '~すぎる' itself: e.g., 食べすぎます (tabesugimasu - 'eat too much'), 暑すぎます (atsusugimasu - 'too hot'). For the past tense, it's 食べすぎました (tabesugimashita) and 暑すぎました (atsusugimashita).

Pronunciation is straightforward: su-gi-ru. The stress is relatively even across the syllables. There aren't really plural forms for this suffix itself, as it modifies verbs and adjectives. For example, you wouldn't say 'sugirus' in English. The concept of plurality is handled by the noun it modifies. When it comes to pronunciation errors, learners might sometimes overemphasize the 'u' sound or struggle with the conjugation, but the core pronunciation is quite clear. Rhyming words aren't really applicable to suffixes in the same way as standalone words, but you'll find many verbs and adjectives that end in '-sugiru'!

Fun Fact

The kanji 過ぎ itself is composed of 'walk' (辵 chuu) and 'to pass' (咼 gwa), visually representing the idea of moving past a point.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sɯ.ɡi.ɾɯ/

Sounds like 'soo-gee-roo', with a light 'r' sound similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder'.

US /sɯ.ɡi.ɾɯ/

Similar to British English, 'soo-gee-roo', with the 'r' being a flap sound, like the 'tt' in 'butter'.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing 'su' too strongly.
  • Making the 'gi' sound too harsh.
  • Over-pronouncing the final 'ru'.

Rhymes With

suguru miguru higuru kuguru

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize, understanding nuance can be harder.

Writing 2/5

Relatively easy to apply once the conjugation rules are known.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used, natural to incorporate.

Listening 2/5

Very frequent in spoken Japanese.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

verb stems i-adjective stems na-adjective stems basic verb conjugations (masu-form)

Learn Next

～方 (kata - way of doing) ～やすい/にくい (yasui/nikui - easy/hard to do) ～始める/終わる (hajimeru/owaru - start/finish)

Advanced

～極まる (kiwamarru - extremely) ～に過ぎない (ni suginai - nothing more than) ～ざるを得ない (zaru o enai - cannot help but)

Grammar to Know

Verb Conjugation: Masu-form

食べます -> 食べます (stem is 食べ)

Adjective Types: i-adjectives vs. na-adjectives

高い (takai) vs. きれい (kirei)

Expressing Cause and Effect

～ので (node), ～から (kara)

Examples by Level

1

水は多いすぎる。

water TOPIC too-much is.

Use 'sugiru' after adjective/verb stem.

2

このケーキは甘すぎる。

this cake TOPIC sweet-too-much is.

'sugiru' added to adjective 'amai' (sweet).

3

彼は話しすぎる。

he TOPIC talk-too-much.

'sugiru' added to verb stem 'hanashi-' from 'hanasu' (to talk).

4

暑すぎる！

hot-too-much!

Used alone for emphasis.

5

それは面白すぎる。

that TOPIC interesting-too-much is.

'sugiru' added to adjective 'omoshiroi' (interesting).

6

彼は食べすぎる。

he TOPIC eat-too-much.

'sugiru' added to verb stem 'tabe-' from 'taberu' (to eat).

7

夜更かししすぎる。

stay-up-late-too-much.

'sugiru' added to verb stem 'fukashi-shi-' from 'yofukashi-suru' (to stay up late).

8

この服は高すぎる。

this clothes TOPIC expensive-too-much is.

'sugiru' added to adjective 'takai' (expensive).

1

昨日は歩きすぎた。

yesterday WALK-PAST-too-much.

Past tense of 'arukisugiru'.

2

この部屋は広すぎるよ。

this room TOPIC wide-too-much (exclamatory).

Used with 'yo' for emphasis.

3

彼は働きすぎている。

he WORK-too-much IS.

Present continuous form.

4

その映画は悲しすぎた。

that movie TOPIC sad-too-much-PAST.

Past tense of 'kanashisugiru'.

5

心配しすぎないでください。

worry-too-much NOT DO (polite request).

Negative request form.

6

このコーヒーは熱すぎる！

this coffee TOPIC hot-too-much!

Expressing strong feeling.

7

彼は話しすぎだ。

he TALK-too-much IS.

Using 'sugiru' as a predicate.

8

それは簡単すぎる問題だ。

that TOPIC easy-too-much problem IS.

Modifying a noun 'mondai' (problem).

1

このレストランは人気がありすぎて、予約が取れない。

this restaurant TOPIC popular exist-too-much, reservation cannot take.

Connecting clauses: 'too X, therefore Y'.

2

彼は親切すぎるくらい親切だ。

he kind-too-much EXTENT kind IS.

Using 'sugiru kurai' for emphasis.

3

その話は面白すぎたので、最後まで夢中になった。

that story TOPIC interesting-too-much-PAST, until-the-end engrossed became.

Cause and effect structure.

4

最近、運動しすぎているせいか、体がだるい。

recently, exercise-too-much-PAST reason maybe, body is sluggish.

'sugiru' + 'sei ka' (perhaps because).

5

この計画は複雑すぎると感じる。

this plan TOPIC complex-too-much feel.

Using '~to kanjiru' (to feel that...).

6

彼女は心配しすぎだよ。

she TOPIC worry-too-much (exclamatory).

Casual, slightly admonishing tone.

7

その知らせを聞いて、嬉しすぎた。

that news hear-PAST, happy-too-much-PAST.

Expressing extreme emotion.

8

彼は少し考えすぎるところがある。

he a-little think-too-much place exists.

'sugiru tokoro ga aru' - has a tendency to...

1

この問題は初心者には難しすぎると言えるだろう。

this problem TOPIC beginners for difficult-too-much say can PROBABLY.

Expressing a reasoned opinion using '~to ieru darou'.

2

彼は自分の能力を過信しすぎているようだ。

he his own ability OVER-trust-too-much SEEMS.

'kashin suru' (to over-trust) + '~sugiru'.

3

あまりにも美味しすぎたので、思わず食べ過ぎてしまった。

too much delicious-too-much-PAST, unintentionally eat-too-much-ended-up.

Using 'amari ni mo' for emphasis + 'omoazu' (unintentionally).

4

その提案は現実的すぎると、多くの人が反対した。

that proposal TOPIC realistic-too-much, many people opposed.

Expressing opposition due to excessiveness.

5

彼は自分の意見を押し付けすぎるところがある。

he his own opinion PUSH-too-much place exists.

'oshitsukeru' (to force upon) + '~sugiru tokoro ga aru'.

6

この状況では、楽観的になりすぎるのは危険だ。

this situation in, optimistic become-too-much DANGEROUS IS.

Using '~ni naru' + '~sugiru'.

7

彼女の才能は、年齢にしては才能がありすぎると言える。

her talent TOPIC, age for talent exist-too-much say can.

'~ni shite wa' (for one's age) + '~sugiru'.

8

それは、あまりにも繊細すぎる問題なので、慎重に扱う必要がある。

that TOPIC, too much delicate-too-much problem, carefully handle need exists.

'amari ni mo' + '~sugiru' + '~ni atsukau hitsuyou ga aru'.

1

彼の芸術は、既存の枠にとらわれすぎているという批判もある。

his art TOPIC, existing frame in bound-too-much say criticism also exists.

'kizon no waku ni torawareru' (to be bound by existing frameworks).

2

過度な自己規制は、創造性を阻害しすぎることになりかねない。

excessive self-regulation TOPIC, creativity hinder-too-much become-cannot-avoid.

'kado na jiko kisei' (excessive self-regulation), '~ni narikanenai' (can become).

3

その文学作品は、象徴的表現に頼りすぎているため、解釈が困難な場合がある。

that literary work TOPIC, symbolic expression rely-too-much PAST reason, interpretation difficult case exists.

'shouchouteki hyougen' (symbolic expression), '~ni tayoru' (to rely on).

4

現代社会における過剰な情報摂取は、人々の判断力を鈍らせすぎている。

modern society in excessive information intake TOPIC, people's judgment ability dull-too-much.

'kajou na jouhou sesshu' (excessive information intake), '~o nīrasu' (to dull/blunt).

5

彼は、細部にこだわりすぎるあまり、全体の構想を見失ってしまう。

he, details insist-too-much PAST degree, whole concept lose sight.

'komayaka na bu' (details), '~sugiru amari' (to the point of doing too much).

6

その政治家の発言は、ポピュリズムに傾倒しすぎていると批判されている。

that politician's statement TOPIC, populism lean-too-much say criticized IS.

'popyurizumu ni kentou suru' (to lean towards populism).

7

あまりにも感情的になりすぎると、冷静な判断ができなくなる。

too much emotional become-too-much, calm judgment cannot do.

'kanjouteki ni naru' (to become emotional).

8

この状況下では、過度な期待を抱きすぎることは、失望を招きかねない。

this situation under, excessive expectations hold-too-much IS, disappointment invite-cannot-avoid.

'kado na kitai' (excessive expectations), '~o maneku' (to invite/cause).

1

彼の作品は、ポストモダニズムの様式を消化しきれず、表層的な模倣に終始しすぎているきらいがある。

his work TOPIC, postmodernism's style digest-finish-cannot, superficial imitation end-in-too-much has tendency exists.

'shoukashi kirenai' (unable to fully digest), '~ni shuushi suru' (to end up doing), '~kirai ga aru' (has a tendency).

2

過剰な自己言及は、読者の没入感を損ないすぎ、物語の本質から乖離させる危険性を孕む。

excessive self-reference TOPIC, reader's immersion damage-too-much, story's essence from diverge danger carries.

'jiko genkyuu' (self-reference), 'botsunyuu kan' (sense of immersion), '~kara kairi saseru' (to cause divergence from).

3

その批評家の分析は、理論に固執しすぎた結果、対象の本質的な意味合いを見落としている。

that critic's analysis TOPIC, theory insist-too-much PAST result, object's essential meaning overlook IS.

'shihyouka' (critic), 'kohon suru' (to insist on/cling to), '~o miotosu' (to overlook).

4

現代における情報過多は、批判的思考能力を涵養するどころか、むしろそれを萎縮させすぎているのではないか。

modern in information overload TOPIC, critical thinking ability cultivate let alone, rather it shrink-too-much IS NOT IT?

'jouhou kata' (information overload), 'hihanteki shikou nouryoku' (critical thinking ability), '~o kan'you suru' (to cultivate), '~ni sugiru' (to shrink/wither).

5

彼は、芸術的表現の自由を標榜するあまり、社会的な責任という観点を見過ごしすぎている。

he, artistic expression freedom champion PAST degree, social responsibility as viewpoint overlook-too-much IS.

'hyouhou suru' (to champion/advocate), '~no amari' (to the point of doing too much), '~o misugosu' (to overlook).

6

その歴史解釈は、特定のイデオロギーに偏重しすぎているため、学術的な客観性を著しく欠いている。

that historical interpretation TOPIC, specific ideology toward lean-too-much PAST reason, academic objectivity remarkably lacks.

'ideorogii ni henchou suru' (to lean heavily toward an ideology), '~o kaku' (to lack).

7

あまりにも完璧主義に囚われすぎると、創造的なプロセスが硬直化し、革新の機会を逸してしまう。

too much perfectionism in trapped-too-much, creative process rigidify, innovation opportunity miss.

'kanchuu suru' (to be trapped/caught in), 'kouchokuka suru' (to become rigid), '~o itsu suru' (to miss/lose an opportunity).

8

現代のメディア環境は、センセーショナリズムに過度に依存しすぎている傾向があり、健全な世論形成を阻害しかねない。

modern media environment TOPIC, sensationalism toward excessively depend-too-much tendency exists, healthy public opinion formation hinder-cannot-avoid.

'sensēshonarizumu' (sensationalism), '~ni izon suru' (to depend on), '~o sokugai suru' (to hinder).

Common Collocations

食べすぎる (tabesugiru)
働きすぎる (hatarakisugiru)
暑すぎる (atsusugiru)
心配しすぎる (shinpai shisugiru)
難しすぎる (muzukashisugiru)
面白すぎる (omoshirosugiru)
疲れたすぎる (tsukareta sugiru)
考えすぎる (kangaesugiru)
甘すぎる (amasugiru)

Idioms & Expressions

"度を越す (do o kosu)"

To go too far; to exceed the limit.

彼の無礼な態度は度を越していた。(Kare no burei na taido wa do o koshite ita.) - His rude attitude went too far.

neutral

"やりすぎる (yarisugiru)"

To do too much; to overdo it.

心配しすぎて、何もできなかった。(Shinpai shisugite, nani mo dekinakatta.) - I worried too much and couldn't do anything.

neutral

"自業自得 (jigou jitoku)"

Reap what you sow; get what you deserve (often implies consequences of excessive actions).

遅刻しすぎたんだから、会議に間に合わなくても自業自得だ。(Chikoku shisugitanda kara, kaigi ni maniawanakutemo jigou jitoku da.) - Since you were too late, it's your own fault you didn't make it to the meeting.

neutral

"身から出た錆 (mi kara deta sabi)"

Rust that comes from the body; consequences of one's own actions (similar to jigou jitoku).

彼の失敗は、努力を怠りすぎた身から出た錆だ。(Kare no shippai wa, doryoku o okotarisugita mi kara deta sabi da.) - His failure is a consequence of not trying hard enough.

neutral

"飽きすぎる (akisugiru)"

To get tired of something due to overuse or monotony; to become bored.

毎日同じメニューで飽きすぎた。(Mainichi onaji menyuu de akisugita.) - I got too bored eating the same menu every day.

casual

"甘やかす (amayakasu)"

To spoil (a child, etc.) by being too lenient or indulgent.

子供を甘やかしすぎると、わがままになる。(Kodomo o amayakashi sugiru to, wagamama ni naru.) - If you spoil a child too much, they become selfish.

neutral

Easily Confused

~すぎる vs ～ほど (hodo)

Both deal with degree or extent.

'～ほど' often indicates 'to the extent that' or 'as much as', sometimes implying a comparison or a threshold. '~すぎる' specifically means 'excessively' or 'too much'.

泣くほどではない。(Naku hodo de wa nai.) - It's not to the point of crying. vs. 泣きすぎる。(Nakisugiru.) - To cry too much.

~すぎる vs ～ばかり (bakari)

Both can indicate a large quantity or frequency.

'～ばかり' means 'only', 'just', or 'all the time'. '~すぎる' means 'too much'.

食べてばかりいる。(Tabete bakari iru.) - I'm just eating all the time. vs. 食べすぎる。(Tabesugiru.) - To eat too much.

~すぎる vs ～すぎる (sugiru) vs. ～しすぎる (shisugiru)

Similar sounds and meanings.

~sugiru is the suffix. ~shisugiru is used when the verb stem ends in 'shi' (like in する verbs), e.g., 話しすぎる (hanashisugiru), but it's the same concept of 'too much'.

話しすぎる (hanashisugiru) - to talk too much.

~すぎる vs ～過ぎる (sugiru) vs. 過ぎる (sugiru)

Identical pronunciation.

過ぎる (sugiru) is the base verb meaning 'to pass' or 'exceed'. ～すぎる is the suffix derived from it, used after other verbs/adjectives. The kanji usage can sometimes differ.

時間が過ぎる。(Jikan ga sugiru.) - Time passes. vs. 時間を使いすぎる。(Jikan o tsukaisugiru.) - To use too much time.

Sentence Patterns

A1-C2

Verb Stem + すぎる

彼は話しすぎる。

A1-C2

i-Adjective Stem + すぎる

このケーキは甘すぎる。

A1-C2

na-Adjective Stem + すぎる

彼女はきれいすぎる。

A2-C2

Noun + を + Verb Stem + すぎる

水を飲みすぎる。

B1-C2

Verb Stem + すぎる + ようにする/する

食べすぎないようにする。

B1-C2

Verb/Adj Stem + すぎる + ので/から

暑すぎるので、家にいます。

Word Family

Nouns

食べすぎ (tabesugi) Overeating
働きすぎ (hatarakisugi) Overwork
考えすぎ (kangaesugi) Overthinking

Verbs

過ぎる (sugiru) To pass, to exceed, to go beyond (the base verb)

Related

過剰 (kajou) Similar meaning (excessive), but used as a noun/adjective.
度 (do) Meaning 'degree' or 'limit', often used in phrases like '度を越す' (do o kosu - to exceed the limit).

How to Use It

Formality Scale

Very Formal: Avoid unless specifically quoting or analyzing. Formal: Use polite forms like ～すぎます (sugimasu). Neutral: Common in everyday speech and writing. Casual: Very frequent, often with emotional emphasis.

Common Mistakes

Attaching ~sugiru to the wrong verb/adjective form. → Attach to the masu-stem of verbs (e.g., 食べます -> 食べすぎる) and the stem of i-adjectives (e.g., 暑い -> 暑すぎる). For na-adjectives, remove 'na' and attach (e.g., きれい -> きれいすぎる).
Incorrect conjugation leads to unnatural or incorrect Japanese.
Using ~sugiru for things that are just 'a lot' but not necessarily 'too much'. → Use ~sugiru when there's a negative connotation or a sense of excess beyond the norm.
Overusing ~sugiru can make statements sound whiny or overly critical when a neutral term like 'たくさん' (takusan - many/much) would be more appropriate.
Confusing ~sugiru with other suffixes or verb endings. → ~sugiru specifically means 'too much' or 'excessively'.
Other suffixes have different meanings (e.g., ~tai for 'want to', ~yasui for 'easy to').
Forgetting to conjugate ~sugiru in polite speech. → Use ~sugimasu (polite present) or ~sugimashita (polite past).
Not conjugating correctly makes the speech sound abrupt or impolite.
Using the dictionary form of the verb/adjective before ~sugiru. → Use the stem form.
For example, it's 'nomisugiru' (drink too much), not 'nomu sugiru'.

Tips

💡

The "Sue, Gee, Roo!" Trick

Imagine you're in a lawsuit ('sue') because you ate too much cake. It's 'gee'-ing you crazy! So, 'Sue-Gee-Roo!' = Too much.

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Listen for the Exaggeration

Pay attention to how native speakers use '~すぎる' in anime, dramas, or conversations. Notice when they use it for complaints versus when they use it for overwhelmingly positive things.

🌍

Moderation is Key (Usually!)

Japanese culture often values moderation. '~すぎる' highlights when that balance is tipped, whether for better or worse.

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Stem Power!

Remember the rule: Verb stem + すぎる, Adjective stem + すぎる. Practice identifying the stems of common verbs and adjectives.

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Smooth 'R' Sound

The Japanese 'r' sound is a light flap, like the 'tt' in 'butter'. Aim for a quick tap of the tongue, not a hard 'r'.

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Don't Over-Sugi-ru Your Grammar!

Avoid attaching '~すぎる' to the wrong form. Always double-check if you need the verb stem or adjective stem.

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From 'Passing' to 'Excess'

The original verb 過ぎる (sugiru) meant 'to pass'. It evolved to mean 'to go beyond', which naturally led to the idea of 'too much'.

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Journal Your Excesses

Write a short journal entry each day describing one thing you did 'too much' or one thing that was 'too ~'. Example: '今日は働きすぎた。' (Kyō wa hatarakisugita.)

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Context is King

Think about *why* something is 'too much'. Is it inconvenient? Unpleasant? Overwhelmingly good? The context helps clarify the nuance.

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Polite Forms are Easy!

To make it polite, just conjugate '~すぎる' like a normal verb: すぎます (sugimasu), すぎました (sugimashita), すぎません (sugimasen).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'sue' (like a lawsuit) being 'too much' trouble, so you say 'sue-gi-ru!'

Visual Association

Imagine someone eating a giant plate of food until they burst, saying 'Tabe-sugiru!'

Word Web

Excess Too much Exaggeration Overdoing it Intense Extreme Suffix Verb modifier Adjective modifier

Challenge

Try describing your day using '~すぎる' for at least three things. Did you wake up too early? Was the coffee too hot? Did you work too much?

Word Origin

Japanese

Original meaning: The verb 過ぎる (sugiru) originally meant 'to pass', 'to go beyond', 'to exceed'.

Cultural Context

While '~すぎる' is common, be mindful that constantly describing things as 'too much' can sometimes sound negative or complaining, depending on the context and tone.

In English, we often use adverbs like 'too', 'excessively', 'overly', or phrases like 'a bit much'. The Japanese '~すぎる' is a very direct and common way to express this.

Anime and manga frequently use '~すぎる' to describe characters' extreme traits or actions (e.g., 'op is too strong', 'this situation is too absurd'). Songs and lyrics often employ '~すぎる' to convey intense emotions like love or sadness.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Talking about food and drink

  • 食べすぎる (tabesugiru) - Eat too much
  • 飲みすぎる (nomisugiru) - Drink too much
  • 甘すぎる (amasugiru) - Too sweet
  • 辛すぎる (karasugiru) - Too spicy

Describing physical sensations or conditions

  • 暑すぎる (atsusugiru) - Too hot
  • 寒すぎる (samusugiru) - Too cold
  • 疲れたすぎる (tsukareta sugiru) - Too tired
  • 眠すぎる (nemusugiru) - Too sleepy

Expressing opinions about media or products

  • 面白すぎる (omoshirosugiru) - Too interesting/funny
  • 難しすぎる (muzukashisugiru) - Too difficult
  • 高すぎる (takasugiru) - Too expensive
  • 簡単すぎる (kantan sugiru) - Too easy

Discussing work or effort

  • 働きすぎる (hatarakisugiru) - Work too much
  • 心配しすぎる (shinpai shisugiru) - Worry too much
  • 考えすぎる (kangaesugiru) - Think too much
  • 頑張りすぎる (ganbarisugiru) - Try too hard

Conversation Starters

"What's something you ate too much of recently?"

"Do you ever feel like you work too much? Why?"

"What's a movie that was too sad for you?"

"Is there anything you find too difficult to learn?"

"What's something that's too expensive for you right now?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you ate too much. What happened?

Write about a situation where you worried too much. Was it worth it?

Think about your job or studies. Is there anything you're doing too much of?

Describe a place that was too hot or too cold for you. How did you feel?

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

For verbs, use the masu-stem (e.g., 食べます -> 食べすぎる). For i-adjectives, use the stem directly (e.g., 暑い -> 暑すぎる). For na-adjectives, drop the 'na' and use the stem (e.g., きれい -> きれいすぎる).

Yes! While often used for negative excess, it can also describe overwhelmingly positive situations, like '嬉しすぎる' (ureshi-sugiru - too happy) or '美味しすぎる' (oishi-sugiru - too delicious).

'たくさん' (takusan) simply means 'a lot' or 'many/much'. '~すぎる' implies that 'a lot' is actually 'too much' or exceeds a normal/desirable limit.

You conjugate the '~すぎる' part. For example, '食べすぎない' (tabesuginai) means 'not eat too much', and '食べすぎたくない' (tabesugitakunai) means 'don't want to eat too much'.

It's best described as an auxiliary verb or a suffix that attaches to other verbs and adjectives. It conjugates like a regular verb (e.g., ～すぎます, ～すぎた).

In very formal writing or speeches where a more neutral or objective tone is required, you might opt for different phrasing. Also, constantly using it can sound like complaining.

The phrase '～すぎるくらい' (sugiru kurai) means 'to the point of being too ~' or 'so ~ that it's almost too much'. It emphasizes the intensity.

Not directly. '~すぎる' attaches to verbs and adjectives. If you want to express excess related to a noun, you'd typically use a verb or adjective derived from it, or use phrases like '～が多すぎる' (ga oosugiru - too many ~).

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

このジュースは甘＿＿＿。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: すぎる

We use '~すぎる' to say something is 'too sweet'.

multiple choice A2

Which sentence means 'I worked too much'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 私は働きすぎました。

'働きすぎました' uses the past tense of the verb stem '働き-' + '~すぎる'.

true false B1

The suffix '~すぎる' can only be attached to verbs.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

It can be attached to verbs and adjectives (both i-adjectives and na-adjectives).

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

These are common examples of '~すぎる' used with adjectives and verbs.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct phrase is '心配しすぎないでください' (Shinpai shisuginaide kudasai) - Please don't worry too much.

fill blank B2

この映画は＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿、泣いてしまった。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 悲しすぎたので

'悲しすぎたので' (kanashisugita node) means 'because it was too sad', leading to the action of crying.

multiple choice C1

Which phrase best expresses 'a tendency to overthink'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 考えすぎる癖がある

'考えすぎる癖がある' (kangaesugiru kuse ga aru) specifically indicates a habit or tendency to overthink.

true false C2

The suffix '~すぎる' can only be used to express negative excess.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

While often used for negative excess, it can also describe overwhelmingly positive experiences (e.g., 嬉しすぎる -uresh-isugiru - too happy).

Score: /8

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Related Grammar Rules

Has a tendency to (Negative trait) C1
Explore Word Network (1)

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