# すぎる: too much > Learn how to use すぎる, a JLPT N5 Japanese grammar point meaning too much, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N5 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n5-sugiru/ **すぎる** means **too much**. It is a **JLPT N5** Japanese grammar pattern used to say that something exceeds a good or normal amount. This grammar point appears often in beginner conversations, classroom Japanese, and JLPT-style questions. If you want to say that something exceeds a good or normal amount, **すぎる** is a useful pattern to learn because it helps you build natural basic sentences. ## What does すぎる mean? Use **すぎる** when you want to say that something exceeds a good or normal amount. Natural translations include: - too much - too The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on the role of the grammar point in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural. ## How to form すぎる

Verb masu-stem + すぎる

Adjective stem + すぎる

Examples of the pattern: - 食べすぎる - 高すぎる - 静かすぎる Pay attention to the word form before and after the pattern. Many beginner mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form. ## When is すぎる used? Use **すぎる** in situations like: - complaints - warnings - describing excess Tone and register: - neutral and common - Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and beginner JLPT questions ## すぎる example sentences

このかばんは高たかすぎます。

This bag is too expensive.

i-adjective

昨日きのう、食たべすぎました。

I ate too much yesterday.

verb

この部屋へやは静しずかすぎます。

This room is too quiet.

na-adjective

早はやく起おきすぎました。

I woke up too early.

verb

この問題もんだいは難むずかしすぎます。

This problem is too difficult.

i-adjective

Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: question, contrast, reason, time limit, suggestion, negation, comparison, or obligation. ## Nuance of すぎる The key nuance is **the amount or degree is beyond what is appropriate**. This matters because beginner Japanese often uses small words and endings to show meaning that English expresses with word order or helper verbs. For **すぎる**, the sentence can change a lot depending on placement and context. For example: - In conversation, it helps the listener understand the amount or degree is beyond what is appropriate. - Compared with **とても**, it has a different job even when the English translation looks close. ## すぎる vs とても Both **すぎる** and **とても** can express related ideas, but they are different.

すぎる

Excessive, often negative

Use when the amount or degree is beyond what is appropriate.

このかばんは高たかすぎます。

This bag is too expensive.

とても

Very; not necessarily excessive

Use for a high degree without implying excess.

このかばんはとても高たかいです。

This bag is very expensive.

If you are unsure which one to use, ask what the sentence is trying to do: ask a question, connect ideas, show a reason, mark time, make an invitation, compare two things, or express obligation. ## Common mistakes with すぎる

❌ 難むずかしいすぎます。

✅ 難むずかしすぎます。

Keep the adjective stem and drop the final い before すぎる.

❌ このかばんは高たかすぎます。（when you mean "very"）

✅ このかばんはとても高たかいです。

すぎる means "too much," not simply "very."

❌ 静しずかなすぎます。

✅ 静しずかすぎます。

Na-adjectives attach directly without な before すぎる.

A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel. ## Is すぎる on the JLPT?

Yes. すぎる is commonly taught as JLPT N5 grammar.

recognize it in reading
understand its nuance in context
use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.

## Practice questions for すぎる

1 Say the bag is too expensive. Production

2 Say you ate too much. Production

3 Say the problem is too difficult. Production

Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic. ## Learning path for すぎる

Make one short sentence with すぎる using a verb or adjective you already know.

Compare it with とても. Notice how changing the pattern changes whether the meaning is excessive or simply a high degree.

Write a second example with a different subject or time word to test flexibility.

Contrast すぎる with a related pattern like ほうがいい or はどうですか to see how the basic meaning changes.

## Related grammar to review next - [とても](/blog/n5-totemo/) — reviews another pattern for comparison, degree, or evaluation. - [ほうがいい](/blog/n5-hou-ga-ii/) — contrasts with this pattern from the request, permission, prohibition, and obligation grammar group. - [はどうですか](/blog/n5-wa-dou-desu-ka/) — contrasts with this pattern from the question, explanation, and confirmation grammar group. - [より～ほうが](/blog/n5-yori-hou-ga/) — reviews another pattern for comparison, degree, or evaluation. ## Learn すぎる with Hane If you want to review **すぎる** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N5 grammar lessons](/blog/n5/)