Translation guide
The English word 'too' has two main functions: expressing excess ('more than enough') and expressing addition ('also'). This guide covers both, with natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Expressing that something is excessive, beyond a desirable or acceptable degree.
Attach to the stem of verbs or the root of i-adjectives. For na-adjectives, attach directly. This is the most common and versatile way to express 'too much'.
This coffee is too hot.
He ate too much.
This room is too quiet.
Used before adjectives or verbs to emphasize excess, often with a negative or critical nuance. More emphatic than 〜すぎる.
It's too expensive to buy.
Connects an excessive state to a resulting situation. 'So [adjective/verb] that...'
I was so happy I cried.
A formal noun meaning 'excess' or 'immoderation'. Used in written or technical contexts.
Expressing that something applies in addition to something else, similar to 'also' or 'as well'.
The most basic and common way to say 'too' or 'also'. Replaces は, が, or を in a sentence. Can be used with nouns, and in some cases with other particles (e.g., にも, でも).
Expressing that there is an excessive amount of something, or that something is too much of a certain quality.
For nouns, use 〜すぎる after the noun, often with だ/です. This is colloquial and common.
That's too childish.
Short responses agreeing or reciprocating.
Simply say 私も (watashi mo) to mean 'me too'. In casual speech, pronouns can be omitted if clear from context.
In English, 'too' can sometimes be used informally to mean 'very' (e.g., 'That's too kind of you'). In Japanese, すぎる implies excess and can sound negative. For positive emphasis, use とても or 本当に instead.
That's very kind of you.
も means 'also' and is used for addition. すぎる means 'too much' and is used for excess. They are not interchangeable.
あまりにも早すぎる。
It's way too early.
疲れすぎて動けない。
I'm too tired to move.
Excessive drinking is bad for your health.
私も行きます。
I'll go too.
He can speak English too.
Yesterday I went to Tokyo too.
A slightly more emphatic or literary way to say 'also'. Often used in writing or formal speech.
He is also a poet.
Means 'likewise' or 'in the same way'. Used in formal contexts.
This rule applies to students too.
This room has too many things.
Formal way to say 'too many/much' before a noun.
There are too many problems.
A: I'm tired. B: Me too.
To say 'you too', use the person's name or title + も, or simply 〜もね in casual speech.
A: Have a good weekend. B: You too.