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.
この機械は過負荷で故障した。
This machine broke down due to overload.
To load too much onto a vehicle or container. More colloquial than 過負荷.
トラックに荷物を積み過ぎると危ない。
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.
この箱は重すぎて持てない。
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.
Same technical term as physical overload, commonly used for electrical overload.
回路が過負荷でブレーカーが落ちた。
The breaker tripped because the circuit was overloaded.
Everyday phrase meaning 'to use too much electricity', often leading to an overload.
一度にたくさんの家電を使うと、電気を使い過ぎてブレーカーが落ちるよ。
If you use too many appliances at once, you'll overload the circuit and trip the breaker.
To receive or process too much information, leading to confusion or stress.
Standard term for information overload. Often used in discussions about media or digital life.
インターネットの情報過多で疲れてしまった。
I got tired from information overload on the internet.
More casual way to say there's too much information.
最近、情報が多すぎて何が正しいかわからない。
Lately, there's so much information (overload) that I don't know what's correct.
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.
過重労働が原因で健康を害した。
My health suffered due to work overload.
Simple, everyday way to say you have too much work.
今週は仕事が多すぎて、全然寝られない。
This week I have work overload and can't sleep at all.
Loanword from 'capacity over', meaning you've exceeded your limit. Very common in casual conversation.
今月は予定がキャパオーバーだ。
My schedule is overloaded this month.
To be overwhelmed by emotions, sensations, or stimuli.
Literally 'emotions overflow', used when feelings become too much to handle.
悲しみで感情が溢れて、涙が止まらなかった。
I was emotionally overloaded with sadness and couldn't stop crying.
Sensory overload, often used in medical or psychological contexts (hypersensitivity).
自閉症の人は感覚過敏で苦しむことがある。
People with autism may suffer from sensory overload.
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.