Translation guide
The English word 'too' has two main functions: expressing excess ('more than enough') and expressing addition ('also'). This guide covers both, with natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Expressing that something is excessive, beyond a desirable or acceptable degree.
Attach to the stem of verbs or the root of i-adjectives. For na-adjectives, attach directly. This is the most common and versatile way to express 'too much'.
このコーヒーは熱すぎる。
This coffee is too hot.
彼は食べすぎた。
He ate too much.
This room is too quiet.
Used before adjectives or verbs to emphasize excess, often with a negative or critical nuance. More emphatic than 〜すぎる.
あまりにも高くて買えない。
It's too expensive to buy.
あまりにも早すぎる。
It's way too early.
Connects an excessive state to a resulting situation. 'So [adjective/verb] that...'
嬉しすぎて泣いた。
I was so happy I cried.
疲れすぎて動けない。
I'm too tired to move.
A formal noun meaning 'excess' or 'immoderation'. Used in written or technical contexts.
過度の飲酒は健康に悪い。
Excessive drinking is bad for your health.
Expressing that something applies in addition to something else, similar to 'also' or 'as well'.
The most basic and common way to say 'too' or 'also'. Replaces は, が, or を in a sentence. Can be used with nouns, and in some cases with other particles (e.g., にも, でも).
A slightly more emphatic or literary way to say 'also'. Often used in writing or formal speech.
彼もまた詩人である。
He is also a poet.
Means 'likewise' or 'in the same way'. Used in formal contexts.
この規則は学生にも同様に適用される。
This rule applies to students too.
Expressing that there is an excessive amount of something, or that something is too much of a certain quality.
For nouns, use 〜すぎる after the noun, often with だ/です. This is colloquial and common.
それは子供すぎる。
That's too childish.
この部屋は物が多すぎる。
This room has too many things.
Formal way to say 'too many/much' before a noun.
あまりにも多くの問題がある。
There are too many problems.
Short responses agreeing or reciprocating.
Simply say 私も (watashi mo) to mean 'me too'. In casual speech, pronouns can be omitted if clear from context.
A: 疲れた。 B: 私も。
A: I'm tired. B: Me too.
To say 'you too', use the person's name or title + も, or simply 〜もね in casual speech.
A: 良い週末を。 B: あなたもね。
A: Have a good weekend. B: You too.
In English, 'too' can sometimes be used informally to mean 'very' (e.g., 'That's too kind of you'). In Japanese, すぎる implies excess and can sound negative. For positive emphasis, use とても or 本当に instead.
とても親切ですね。
That's very kind of you.
も means 'also' and is used for addition. すぎる means 'too much' and is used for excess. They are not interchangeable.