Translation guide
The English phrase "go to excess" means to do something beyond what is normal, reasonable, or healthy. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs, adverbs, and set phrases depending on what is being done excessively—eating, drinking, working, spending, etc. The most common and versatile expressions are やりすぎる (do too much) and 度を越す (go beyond the limit).
Expressing that an action is performed excessively, beyond a reasonable limit.
A compound verb meaning 'to overdo' or 'to do too much'. It is casual and widely used in daily conversation.
I overdid the exercise yesterday and now I have muscle pain.
Literally 'to exceed the degree/limit'. A common phrase for going too far in any context, from behavior to spending.
His jokes go too far.
Attached to the stem of verbs or adjectives to mean 'too much'. E.g., 食べ過ぎる (eat too much), 高すぎる (too expensive).
Means 'to go too far' in a literal or figurative sense. Often used for actions or statements that cross a line.
Specifically referring to overindulgence in food or alcohol.
Going overboard with money, buying too much, or living extravagantly.
Working too hard, overexerting oneself.
Going to extremes in feelings, reactions, or conduct.
Means 'to become too emotional'.
The phrase "go to excess" does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word (e.g., 過剰に行く) sounds unnatural. Instead, use the specific verb/adjective + すぎる pattern or set phrases like 度を越す.
go to excess (literal, unnatural)
To say something is 'too [adjective]', attach すぎる to the adjective stem. For い-adjectives, drop the final い; for な-adjectives, just add すぎる.
飲み過ぎて頭が痛い。
I drank too much and my head hurts.
His remarks went too far.
The standard way to say 'eat too much'.
I ate too much at the all-you-can-eat.
The standard way to say 'drink too much' (alcohol or other beverages).
I drank too much last night and have no memory.
A four-character compound meaning 'excessive drinking and eating', often used in health contexts.
Excessive eating and drinking is bad for your health.
Means 'to spend too much' or 'to use too much' (money, resources).
I spent too much money this month.
Means 'to indulge in luxury' or 'to live extravagantly'. It implies going beyond necessity.
It's okay to indulge once in a while.
A somewhat formal term meaning 'to squander money' or 'to waste money on luxuries'.
He is spending excessively on his hobbies.
Means 'to work too much' or 'to overwork'.
I collapsed from overwork.
Means 'to try too hard' or 'to push oneself too much'. Often used in encouraging someone not to overdo it.
Don't push yourself too hard.
Means 'to overdo it' or 'to push beyond one's limits', often with negative consequences.
If you overdo it, you'll ruin your health.
I got too emotional during the argument.
Means 'to get carried away' or 'to go too far' due to excitement or success.
I got carried away and said too much.
Literally 'to run to extremes', meaning to adopt an extreme position or behavior.
He has a tendency to go to extremes in everything.
この料理は辛すぎる。
This dish is too spicy.
He is too kind.