Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
The basic meaning of 〜すぎる
Attach 〜 to verb stems, -adjective stems, and -adjectives.
Start with the example
。
I ate too much yesterday.
Verb stem + means 'do too much'.
Notice the variation
。
This bag is too expensive.
-adjectives drop before .
More detail: how to apply this
〜 means “too much” or “excessively.” It can describe doing too much of an action or a quality that is stronger than is comfortable, useful, or expected.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Use the consequence to identify why a degree counts as excessive in this situation.
gives the consequence: the reader did not understand well. That result reveals the standard behind too short.
、。
The explanation was too short, so I did not really understand it.
Use the consequence to identify why a degree counts as excessive in this situation.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I ate too much yesterday.
Verb stem + means 'do too much'.
Vocabulary notes
- 昨日
- yesterday
- は
- topic marker
Compare in context
。
This bag is too expensive.
-adjectives drop before .
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- かばん
- bag
Section 2 of 4
How it attaches
How it attaches
Start with the example
。
Please do not drink too much.
Negative forms like are also common.
Notice the variation
。
This room is so quiet that I cannot relax.
-adjectives attach directly: .
More detail: how to apply this
With verbs, attach to the verb stem.
With -adjectives, remove and add .
With -adjectives, attach directly to the stem.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Please do not drink too much.
Negative forms like are also common.
。
Please do not drink too much.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Please do not drink too much.
Showing How it attaches: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Please do not drink too much.
Negative forms like are also common.
Vocabulary notes
- ください
- please give; please do
Preview
。
This room is so quiet that I cannot relax.
-adjectives attach directly: .
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Section 3 of 4
Reading tone and attitude
Use the consequence to identify why a degree counts as excessive in this situation.
Reading tone and attitude
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
is what is being judged: the explanation.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In reading, 〜 often signals complaint, surprise, or criticism.
Notice what standard the speaker is comparing against: time, amount, difficulty, noise, speed, or price.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The explanation was too short, so I did not really understand it.
〜 often carries complaint or criticism.
、。
The explanation was too short, so I did not really understand it.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The explanation was too short, so I did not really understand it.
Showing Reading tone and attitude: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
The explanation was too short, so I did not really understand it.
〜 often carries complaint or criticism.
Vocabulary notes
- 説明
- explanation
- よく
- often; well
Preview
、。
If you work too much, it is bad for your body.
The pattern can describe harmful excess in general truths too.
Vocabulary notes
- と
- and; with; that
- 悪い
- bad
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
evaluates the degree as exceeding what is suitable, not just being large.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
evaluates the degree as exceeding what is suitable, not just being large.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Large / too large
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.