Translation guide
The English word "overflow" can refer to liquids spilling over, exceeding capacity, or an abundance of something. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these situations.
To describe a liquid spilling over the edge of a container because it is too full.
The most common and general verb for liquid overflowing. Intransitive.
Water overflowed from the cup.
The bathwater is about to overflow.
Often used for smaller amounts spilling or dripping over, or for solids like grains. Can imply scattering.
A little tea spilled over.
Emphasizes the action of flowing out and over. More vivid.
Soup overflowed from the pot.
To describe a situation where something exceeds its limit, such as a crowd, data, or emotions.
To express that someone or something is filled to the brim with a positive quality or emotion.
溢れる is primarily for liquids or abstract masses. For solid objects spilling out, use 零れる (こぼれる) or 散らばる (ちらばる).
溢れる implies a continuous flow over the edge, while 零れる often suggests a small amount spilling or scattering, sometimes accidentally. 溢れる is more common for large volumes or metaphorical uses.
Tears overflowed from her eyes.
容量を超えたデータは保存できません。
Data that exceeds the capacity cannot be saved.
Loanword from English, used mainly in computing for buffer overflow or stack overflow.
A buffer overflow occurred.
A face overflowing with joy.