Processing keyword: ～すぎる (〜sugiru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～すぎる (〜sugiru)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, the grammar pattern ～すぎる (〜sugiru) is used to express the idea of "too much" or "excessively." It's a versatile structure that can be attached to verbs and adjectives to indicate that something is done to an excessive degree. This lesson will explore how to form and use ～すぎる, provide examples in various contexts, and offer insights into common mistakes to avoid.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The term すぎる (sugiru) means "to exceed" or "to go beyond." When attached to verbs or adjectives, it conveys the sense that an action is done too much or a quality is present to an excessive degree.

Structure

Formation Diagram

Word Type	How to Attach ～すぎる
Verb	Verb stem + すぎる
い-adjective	Remove い, add すぎる
な-adjective	Adjective + すぎる

Formation

Verbs

1. Take the masu-stem of the verb (the verb form without ます).
2. Add すぎる directly after the stem. Example:

• 食べる (たべる) → 食べ すぎる (たべすぎる)
  to eat → to eat too much

い-adjectives

1. Remove the final い from the adjective.
2. Add すぎる after the stem. Example:

• 高い (たかい) → 高 すぎる (たかすぎる)
  high/expensive → too high/too expensive

な-adjectives

1. Add すぎる directly after the adjective. Example:

• 簡単 (かんたん) → 簡単 すぎる (かんたんすぎる)
  easy → too easy

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3. Comparative Analysis

～すぎる vs. 過度な (かどな)

While both ～すぎる and 過度な express excessiveness, ～すぎる is attached to verbs and adjectives, whereas 過度な is a standalone adjective meaning "excessive" and is used to modify nouns. Example:

• ～すぎる: 食べ すぎる (to eat too much)
• 過度な: 過度な飲酒 (かどないんしゅ) (excessive drinking)

～すぎる vs. すごく

• ～すぎる indicates "too much" to the point of being problematic.
• すごく means "very" or "extremely" but doesn't necessarily imply a negative outcome. Example:
• 暑 すぎる → It's too hot (uncomfortably hot).
• すごく暑い → It's very hot (but not necessarily unbearable).

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. この問題は複雑 すぎます。
   • このもんだいは ふくざつ すぎます。
   • This problem is too complicated.
2. 彼の説明は詳細 すぎる と感じます。
   • かれのせつめいは しょうさい すぎる とかんじます。
   • I feel his explanation is too detailed.

Informal Context

1. 昨日は飲み すぎた。
   • きのうは のみ すぎた。
   • I drank too much yesterday.
2. このケーキ、甘 すぎる よ。
   • このケーキ、あま すぎる よ。
   • This cake is too sweet!

Written Language

1. その映画は長 すぎて、退屈だった。
   • そのえいがは なが すぎて、たいくつだった。
   • The movie was too long and was boring.
2. 情報が多 すぎる と、かえって混乱します。
   • じょうほうがおお すぎる と、かえってこんらんします。
   • Having too much information can actually cause confusion.

Spoken Language

1. 走り すぎて 足が痛い。
   • はしり すぎて あしがいたい。
   • I ran too much, and my legs hurt.
2. その服、派手 すぎない？
   • そのふく、はで すぎない？
   • Isn't that outfit too flashy?

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• Using ～すぎる can sometimes sound casual or blunt, especially when commenting on someone else's behavior or attributes.
• To be more polite, especially in formal situations or when speaking to superiors, it's advisable to soften the statement. Polite Example:
• 少し高いですね。 (It's a bit expensive, isn't it?)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 食べすぎは健康に悪い。
  • Overeating is bad for your health.
• 働きすぎに注意してください。
  • Please be careful not to overwork. These expressions reflect the Japanese cultural emphasis on balance and moderation.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Attachment
   • Mistake: 高い すぎる
   • Correction: 高 すぎる
   • Remember to remove the final い from い-adjectives before adding すぎる.
2. Using です/ます with すぎる
   • Mistake: 食べ ますすぎる
   • Correction: 食べ すぎます
   • Do not add ます directly to the verb stem before すぎる.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of すぎる as "so gear up"—you need to adjust (gear up) the word before adding すぎる.
• Practice with Common Verbs and Adjectives: Create sentences using everyday words to internalize the pattern.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～すぎる is used to express "too much" or "excessively."
• Attach すぎる to the verb stem, or modify adjectives appropriately.
• Be mindful of politeness levels when using ～すぎる, as it can sometimes come off as direct.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "to study too much" in Japanese? Answer: 勉強 しすぎる
2. Transform the adjective 暑い into "too hot" using ～すぎる. Answer: 暑 すぎる
3. What is a common mistake learners make when attaching ～すぎる to い-adjectives? Answer: Forgetting to remove the final い before adding すぎる.

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By understanding and practicing the use of ～すぎる, you'll be able to express excessiveness naturally in Japanese, enhancing both your fluency and comprehension.

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