Have you ever eaten too much food at an all-you-can-eat restaurant? 

Or stayed up way too late because you couldn’t stop binge-watching Netflix shows?

In Japanese, when something is “too much,” we use すぎる (sugiru).

It’s super handy for expressing when things go beyond the right amount, whether it’s eating, sleeping, working, or even laughing too much.

And yes, when you see a baby animal and can’t help saying “Awww, it’s just TOO cute!!”

Let’s dive in and see how to use it!

The original verb: すぎる (過ぎる / sugiru)

すぎる originally comes from the verb 過ぎる, meaning “to pass / to go beyond.”

This helps explain the core image: something goes past the right point.

So whether it’s じかんがすぎる jikan ga sugiru (time passes) or たべすぎる tabe sugiru (to eat too much), the idea is the same: 👉Going beyond a limit.

しごと中は、コーヒーをのみすぎる。
shigoto chuu ha, kohii wo nomisugiru
I drink too much coffee while working.

昨日はNetflixをみすぎた。
kinou ha Netflix wo misugita
I watched too much Netflix yesterday.

このくつは たかすぎて、かえない。
kono kutsu ha takasugite, kaenai
These shoes are too expensive, I can’t buy them.

このへやは しずかすぎて、おちつかない。
kono heya ha shizuka sugite, ochitsukanai
This room is too quiet, I can’t relax.

日本語をべんきょうしすぎて、ひかり先生が ゆめに出た。
nihongo wo benkyou shi sugite, Hikari sensei ga yume ni deta
I studied Japanese too much and Hikari-sensei appeared in my dream.

• Grammar Point: すぎる
• JLPT Level: N5
• Meaning: Too much, overly ~
• Quick Explanation: すぎる attaches to verbs and adjectives to express that something goes beyond the proper amount or degree.
  

So that’s how we use すぎる in Japanese!

It’s a super useful word whenever you want to say something is “too much.”

Remember, it can sound negative like たべすぎる (eat too much),

but also fun and positive like かわいすぎる! (too cute!).

Now it’s your turn, try making your own sentences with すぎる and see how far you can take it!

Your Sensei,

Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫

Get Hikari's JLPT Mock Exams & Preparation Lessons!

Whether you are studying to pass the JLPT or looking for a challenge in your learning journey, these courses are perfect for you!