Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~あまり (〜amari)

~あまり (〜amari)

Short explanation:

Expresses the result of doing something excessively or beyond a certain point.

Formation:

Verb-ます stem + あまり, い-Adjective + あまり, な-Adjective + のあまり, Noun + のあまり

Examples:

昨日は疲れすぎたあまり、朝まで眠り続けました。
Kinou wa tsukaresugita amari, asa made nemuri tsuzukemashita.
Yesterday, I was so tired that I slept until morning.
彼女はうれしいあまり、泣き出してしまった。
Kanojo wa ureshii amari, nakidashite shimatta.
She was so happy that she ended up crying.
彼は安全を確認するのあまり、何回もドアをチェックしている。
Kare wa anzen wo kakunin suru no amari, nankai mo doa wo chekku shite iru.
He is so concerned about safety that he checks the door many times.
寒さのあまり、彼は震えが止まらなかった。
Samusa no amari, kare wa furue ga tomaranakatta.
It was so cold that he couldn't stop shivering.

Long explanation:

The ~あまり grammar point is used to express a negative or undesirable outcome caused by doing something excessively or beyond a certain point. It often follows verbs, adjectives and nouns, and is commonly translated as 'so much', 'too much' or 'to the extent that'.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~あまり (〜amari)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~あまり (〜amari)

~あまり (〜amari)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ~あまり (〜amari). This expression is used to indicate that something is done or felt to such an excessive degree that it leads to an unintended or unexpected result.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~あまり is used to express "so much... that..." or "to the extent that...". It highlights an excessive degree of an action or state, resulting in some outcome, often negative or unintended.

Structure

There are two primary structures using ~あまり:

  1. Noun + のあまり
  2. Verb (dictionary form or past tense) + あまり

Formation Diagram

Pattern Example Meaning
Noun + のあまり 心配のあまり So worried that...
Verb (dictionary form) + あまり 考えるあまり Thinking so much that...
Verb (past tense) + あまり 喜んだあまり Was so delighted that...

Detailed Explanation

  • Noun + のあまり When using a noun, add のあまり after the noun.
    心配 **のあまり**, 眠れなかった。
    
  • Verb + あまり When using a verb, you can use the dictionary form or the casual past tense directly before あまり.
    考える **あまり**, 頭が痛くなった。
    
  • The resulting clause often describes an unintended or unexpected outcome caused by the excessive action or state.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with 〜すぎる (〜sugiru)

While both 〜あまり and 〜すぎる express an excessive degree, there are nuances:

  • 〜すぎる simply means "too much" and modifies verbs and adjectives directly.
    食べ **すぎる** と、太るよ。
    
  • 〜あまり emphasizes that the excess leads to an unintended result.
    食べる **あまり**, 動けなくなった。
    
Grammar Point Usage Example
〜あまり Excess leads to unintended result 緊張のあまり、声が震えた。
〜すぎる Something is excessively done/too much 緊張しすぎて、眠れない。

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal, Written
    緊張のあまり、スピーチで言葉を忘れてしまいました。
    *I was so nervous that I forgot my words during the speech.*
    
  2. Informal, Spoken
    彼女は嬉しさのあまり、泣いちゃった。
    *She was so happy that she ended up crying.*
    
  3. Verb Past Tense Example
    彼は驚いたあまり、声が出なかった。
    *He was so surprised that he couldn't speak.*
    
  4. With Negative Outcome
    仕事に熱心なあまり、健康を損ねた。
    *He was so devoted to his work that he damaged his health.*
    
  5. Positive Emotion Leading to Unintended Result
    興奮のあまり、眠れなかった。
    *I was so excited that I couldn't sleep.*
    

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Japanese culture often values modesty and restraint. Using ~あまり allows speakers to express intense emotions or actions in a way that acknowledges an unintended consequence, which aligns with cultural norms of humility.

Levels of Politeness

  • ~あまり can be used in both formal and informal settings.
  • Adjust the verb forms and vocabulary to match the desired politeness level.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 恐怖のあまり (kyōfu no amari): So scared that...
  • 悲しみのあまり (kanashimi no amari): So sad that...

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Incorrect Usage with Adjectives
    × 美味しいあまり、食べすぎた。
    
    Correction:
    • Adjectives need to be nominalized when using ~あまり.
    ○ 美味しさのあまり、食べすぎた。
    *It was so delicious that I ate too much.*
    

Learning Strategies

  • Remember the "の" Particle
    • When using nouns or nominalized adjectives, don't forget to add before あまり.
  • Association Tip
    • Connect あまり with "amass" to recall that an excessive amount leads to something else.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~あまり expresses an excessive degree leading to an unintended or unexpected result.
  • Structures:
    • Noun + のあまり
    • Verb (dictionary or past tense) + あまり
  • Often used with emotions or states like 緊張 (nervousness), 喜び (joy), 悲しみ (sadness).

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank with the correct particle: 彼女は喜び___あまり、飛び上がった。
    • a) に
    • b) の
    • c) で Answer: b) の
  2. True or False: You can use adjectives directly before あまり without modification. Answer: False (Adjectives must be nominalized and use のあまり.)
  3. Choose the sentence that correctly uses ~あまり: a) 疲れのあまり、すぐ寝た。 b) 疲れるあまり、すぐ寝た。 Answer: a)

Feel free to revisit the examples and explanations to reinforce your understanding of ~あまり.

hanabira.org

Ace your Japanese JLPT N5-N1 preparation.

Disclaimer

Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


花びら散る

夢のような跡

朝露に

Copyright 2025 @hanabira.org

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.