If you’re learning Japanese, you may be wondering how to express the concept of “too” in the language. Fortunately, there are several ways to do so, each with its own nuances and usage.
In this section, we will provide you an overview of how to say “too” in Japanese and introduce you to the various ways to express this concept in the language. You’ll learn about the Japanese word for “too,” how to pronounce it, and some common Japanese phrases for “too.”
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you to enhance your Japanese language skills. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Japanese Word for “Too”
When learning a new language, it’s important to understand the nuances of each word. In Japanese, the word for “too” is 「あまり」 (amari). This word can be used in a variety of contexts to express “too” as well as “not much” or “not very.”
The Japanese word 「あまり」 (amari) is often used in combination with other words to convey a specific meaning. For example, 「あまりにも」 (amarinimo) means “too much” or “excessively,” while 「あまりにも多い」 (amarinimo ōi) means “too many.”
It’s important to note that the word 「あまり」 (amari) is somewhat flexible in its usage and can also be used to express a lack of something. For example, 「あまり勉強しなかった」 (amari benkyō shinakatta) means “didn’t study very much.”
Overall, understanding the Japanese word for “too” is key to effectively expressing yourself in the language. By mastering the nuances of 「あまり」 (amari) and its various combinations, you’ll be well on your way to fluency.
Expressing “Too” in Japanese
In Japanese, there are several ways to express the concept of “too.” Let’s take a look at some of the most common phrases and words used to convey this idea.
1. Sugiru (過ぎる)
The most common Japanese word for “too” is “sugiru.” You use it to indicate that someone or something has gone beyond what is acceptable or desirable.
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 食べ過ぎた (Tabe sugita) | Ate too much |
| 長すぎる (Nagasugiru) | Too long |
2. Amari (あまり)
“Amari” is another common word used to express “too much” or “too little.” However, it has a slightly negative connotation and is often used to convey disappointment or dissatisfaction.
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| あまり美味しくない (Amari oishikunai) | Not very tasty |
| あまりうまくない (Amari umakunai) | Not very good |
3. Tarinai (足りない)
“Tarinai” is used to express “not enough” or “insufficient.”
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| お金が足りない (Okane ga tarinai) | Not enough money |
| 時間が足りない (Jikan ga tarinai) | Not enough time |
4. Sugoku (すごく)
“Sugoku” is an adverb that means “very” or “extremely.” While it doesn’t directly translate to “too,” it can be used to emphasize that something is beyond a normal or acceptable level.
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| すごくおいしい (Sugoku oishii) | Extremely delicious |
| すごく疲れた (Sugoku tsukareta) | Very tired |
These are just a few examples of the many ways to express “too” in Japanese. It’s important to remember that context and tone can greatly affect which word or phrase to use, so it’s always a good idea to practice and learn from native speakers.
Translating “Too” in Japanese
Translating the word “too” into Japanese can be tricky as there isn’t an exact equivalent of the English word. However, there are several options that can be used based on context and intention.
The Japanese word that comes closest to “too” in meaning is “sugiru” (すぎる) which means “excessive” or “too much”. This word is commonly used to express that someone is doing something excessively or beyond the necessary limit.
Another word that can be used to convey the meaning of “too” is “amari” (あまり). This word is used to express that something is “not much” or “not very” and can be used to indicate negative sentiments. However, it is generally used in negative sentences.
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| You’re eating too much food. | 食べすぎている。 |
| You’re talking too fast. | 話しすぎている。 |
| Don’t worry too much. | あまり心配しないで。 |
Choosing the Appropriate Translation
Choosing the appropriate translation of “too” in Japanese depends on the context and intention of the sentence. It’s important to consider the tone and sentiment being conveyed to avoid any misunderstandings.
When trying to express that something is excessive or beyond the necessary limit, “sugiru” is an appropriate option. On the other hand, when trying to express that something is not much or not very, “amari” can be used.
Ultimately, it’s best to consult with a native speaker to determine the appropriate translation for your specific context and intention.
Pronouncing “Too” in Japanese
Now that you have learned the Japanese word for “too” and how to express it, it’s time to learn how to pronounce it correctly. In Japanese, the word for “too” is “sugiru” (すぎる).
The “su” sound is similar to the “su” in “sushi,” and the “gi” sound is pronounced like “gee.” Finally, “ru” is said with a slight roll of the tongue.
When pronouncing “sugiru,” it’s important to emphasize the second syllable “gi.” The stress should be on the “ee” sound, so it’s closer to “sugi-ru” than “sugir-u.”
It’s also important to note that Japanese is a syllable-based language, so each syllable should be pronounced clearly and distinctly. It’s not uncommon for English speakers to blend the syllables together, but in Japanese, each syllable must be pronounced separately.
Practice saying “sugiru” out loud until you feel comfortable with the pronunciation. You can also listen to audio examples to hear the word pronounced by a native speaker.
Mastering the Pronunciation of “Too” in Japanese
Now that you know how to pronounce the word “too” in Japanese, you can start incorporating it into your conversations. Remember to practice the pronunciation until it becomes natural and fluid.
Enhancing Conversation Skills with “Too” in Japanese
Now that you have learned how to say “too” in Japanese and different ways to express this concept, it’s time to enhance your conversation skills.
The key to using the word “too” correctly in Japanese is to pay attention to the context and tone of the conversation. It’s essential to choose the appropriate word or phrase that conveys the intended meaning.
Using the Japanese Word for “Too”
The most commonly used word for “too” in Japanese is “sugiru” (過ぎる). It’s essential to understand that “sugiru” carries a negative connotation that suggests an excess or going too far.
For example, if you want to say, “This coffee is too hot,” you can say, “Kōhī ga atsugiru” (コーヒーが熱過ぎる). Here, “atsugiru” emphasizes the excessive heat of the coffee, conveying a sense of discomfort or displeasure.
Alternative Ways to Express “Too”
While “sugiru” is the most common way to express “too” in Japanese, there are other words and phrases that you can use depending on the context and tone of the conversation.
For example, you can use “amari” (あまり) to convey a more neutral or mild sense of excess. For instance, “Kore wa amari ōkikunai desu” (これはあまり大きくないです) means, “This is not too big.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using the word “too” in Japanese, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that may lead to misinterpreting or miscommunications.
One common mistake is using “sugiru” in a positive context. For instance, saying “Kono kēki wa oishisugiru!” (このケーキは美味しすぎる！) may convey that the cake is too delicious, which could be perceived as a negative remark. Instead, it’s better to use a more positive word, such as “totemo oishii” (とても美味しい), which means “very delicious.”
Another mistake is using “sugiru” in a casual or friendly conversation. As mentioned earlier, “sugiru” carries a negative connotation that may sound rude or impolite in a casual setting. Instead, you can use more neutral phrases, such as “chotto” (ちょっと) or “sukoshi” (少し) to convey a sense of moderation.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can use the word “too” effectively in conversations with native Japanese speakers. Remember to pay attention to the context and tone and choose the appropriate word or phrase to convey your message correctly.
FAQ
Q: How do I say “too” in Japanese?
A: The most common word used to express “too” in Japanese is “sugiru” (すぎる). It can be attached to verbs, adjectives, and nouns to convey excessive or exceeding a certain limit. For example, “tabesugiru” means “to eat too much” and “atsui sugiru” means “too hot.”
Q: Are there any alternative words or phrases to express “too” in Japanese?
A: Yes, there are other words and phrases that can be used to convey the meaning of “too” in Japanese. Some examples include “amari” (あまり) and “yosougai” (余剰) which are used to express “too much” or “excessive.” Additionally, “mou” (もう) can be used to indicate “already” or “too soon.”
Q: How do I translate “too” into Japanese?
A: Translating “too” into Japanese can be challenging as there is no exact equivalent. It depends on the context and intention of the sentence. “Sugiru” (すぎる) is commonly used, but other words like “amari” (あまり) or “yosougai” (余剰) can also be suitable translations depending on the situation.
Q: How do I pronounce “too” in Japanese?
A: The word “too” in Japanese is pronounced as “sugiru” (すぎる). The “su” is pronounced like “sue,” and “giru” is pronounced like “ghee-roo.” You can listen to the audio examples for better understanding and practice.
Q: How can I use “too” effectively in conversations with native Japanese speakers?
A: When using “too” in conversations, it is important to consider the context and use appropriate words or phrases. It is also advisable to observe how native speakers use expressions like “sugiru,” “amari,” or “yosougai” in different situations. This will help you develop natural conversation skills and avoid common pitfalls.