Translation guide
The English word 'overload' can be a noun or verb meaning to put too much on something, exceeding its capacity. In Japanese, the translation depends on whether you're talking about physical weight, electrical circuits, information, work, or emotional stress.
To put too much physical weight or load on something, exceeding its structural or mechanical limit.
Technical term for physical overload, often used in engineering or mechanics.
This machine broke down due to overload.
To load too much onto a vehicle or container. More colloquial than 過負荷.
It's dangerous to overload a truck with cargo.
Literally 'too heavy'. Used when the weight itself is the problem, not necessarily exceeding a rated capacity.
This box is overloaded (too heavy) to carry.
To put too much electrical current through a circuit, causing a breaker to trip or a fuse to blow.
To receive or process too much information, leading to confusion or stress.
To have too many tasks or responsibilities, exceeding one's capacity to handle them.
Refers to overwork or excessive labor, often used in legal or workplace contexts.
My health suffered due to work overload.
Simple, everyday way to say you have too much work.
Loanword from 'capacity over', meaning you've exceeded your limit. Very common in casual conversation.
My schedule is overloaded this month.
To be overwhelmed by emotions, sensations, or stimuli.
The English verb 'overload' doesn't have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Using 過負荷する is not natural in most contexts. Instead, use the specific phrases provided for each meaning.
過負荷 is a technical term for physical or electrical overload. キャパオーバー is a casual loanword for exceeding one's personal capacity (schedule, work, emotions). Do not use キャパオーバー for machinery or circuits.
If you use too many appliances at once, you'll overload the circuit and trip the breaker.
Lately, there's so much information (overload) that I don't know what's correct.
This week I have work overload and can't sleep at all.
People with autism may suffer from sensory overload.