Translation guide
How to express 'overdoing it' in Japanese, covering excess in actions, work, exercise, drinking, and more.
To do something to an excessive degree, often with negative consequences.
The most common and versatile way to say 'overdo it'. Can be used for work, exercise, talking, etc.
I overdid it with exercise yesterday, so my muscles are sore today.
Don't overdo it with work.
Literally 'to do the unreasonable'. Implies pushing oneself beyond one's limits, often used when someone is working too hard or not taking care of themselves.
Don't overdo it. / Take it easy.
To be too enthusiastic or gung-ho, leading to overdoing it. Often used when someone is overly eager.
To eat or drink too much.
To overeat. The standard way to say you ate too much.
I overate and my stomach hurts.
To drink too much (alcohol or any beverage).
A set phrase meaning 'to drink and eat to excess', often used in warnings about health.
Overindulging in food and drink is bad for your health.
To go too far with words or actions, often causing offense or awkwardness.
To push the body too hard, leading to injury or exhaustion.
The English phrase 'overdo it' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. The most natural translation depends on what is being overdone. Using やりすぎる is a safe default for many situations, but for specific contexts like eating, drinking, or speaking, the compound verb with 〜すぎる attached to the specific action is more natural.
彼は無理しすぎて倒れた。
He overdid it and collapsed.
The new guy overdid it out of enthusiasm and was exhausted on the first day.
昨夜は飲みすぎて二日酔いだ。
I overdid it with drinking last night and have a hangover.
I got carried away and ended up saying unnecessary things.
その冗談はやりすぎだよ。
That joke is overdoing it.