Translation guide
To sever or remove something by biting. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with compound verbs combining 噛む (to bite) with a cutting or removing verb, or with specific verbs for biting off.
To use teeth to cut or separate a part from a whole.
The most common and general verb for biting off. Combines 噛む (bite) and 切る (cut).
I bit off the thread.
I bite off the crust of the bread.
To bite off forcefully, often used for tearing off a piece with teeth. More violent or vigorous than 噛み切る.
The dog bit off a chunk of meat.
Literally 'bite and take', used when the focus is on removing a piece by biting.
He bit off a mouthful of the apple.
To take on a task that is too big or difficult.
A natural way to express the idea: 'to take on something one cannot handle'. Not a direct translation of the idiom.
He bit off more than he could chew with that job.
Literally 'to do something beyond one's ability'. A clear and common way to express the concept.
A more idiomatic phrase meaning 'to do something beyond one's station/ability'. Slightly literary.
To respond to someone angrily or sharply.
English idioms like 'bite off more than one can chew' or 'bite someone's head off' do not translate literally into Japanese. Use the equivalent expressions provided.
I tried to bite off more than I could chew and failed.
He bit off more than he could chew and ended up accomplishing nothing.