Translation guide
How to express the concept of taking too much of a drug or substance, whether accidentally or intentionally, in Japanese.
overdose (medical/formal)
overdose (casual/loanword)
To describe the act of taking an excessive, harmful dose of a drug, medication, or substance.
The standard medical and formal term for 'overdose'. Used in news, medical contexts, and official warnings.
He died from a drug overdose.
A casual, non-technical way to say 'to take too much medicine/drugs'. Focuses on the action rather than the medical event.
Literally 'to exceed a lethal dose'. Used in forensic or toxicology contexts.
To refer to an overdose taken deliberately, often in the context of mental health or suicide.
Literally 'large-dose medication'. Commonly used in medical and mental health contexts for intentional overdoses, especially of prescription drugs.
She attempted suicide by overdosing on medication.
Using the loanword with the verb 'suru' to mean 'to overdose'. Can imply intentionality depending on context.
To specify that the overdose was not intentional.
To express having an excess of something enjoyable or intense, like music, love, or information.
A playful or metaphorical use of the medical term. Attach a noun to mean 'an overdose of ~'.
I feel sick from a sugar overdose.
My brain is about to explode from information overload.
Means 'addicted to ~' or 'poisoning from ~'. Often used for non-drug contexts like 'sugar addiction' or 'game addiction'.
He's addicted to games. (He has a gaming overdose.)
While 'オーバードーズ' is common in speech and informal writing, in academic papers, news reports, or official documents, use '過剰摂取' instead.
In casual contexts, especially online or among younger people, 'OD' (pronounced オーディー) is used as a noun or verb (ODする). It often carries a connotation of intentional self-harm.
An overdose of sleeping pills is dangerous.
A common loanword from English, widely used in everyday conversation and media. Often abbreviated as 'OD'.
She was rushed to the hospital for an overdose.
Some people die from an OD.
I took too much cold medicine and felt sick.
A lethal dose of drugs was detected in his system.
He repeatedly self-harms and overdoses.
I accidentally took too many painkillers.