When expressing the word “too” in Japanese, there are several ways to convey this concept in both formal and informal settings. From indicating excessiveness to expressing agreement or similarity, the Japanese language offers various alternatives depending on the context. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “too” in Japanese and provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations.
Table of Contents
1. Informal Ways to Say “Too”
In casual conversations, you can use the following expressions to convey the meaning of “too” in an informal setting:
1. も (mo)
When used at the end of a sentence, the particle も (mo) indicates similarity or inclusion. It can be translated as “also” or “too.”
Example:
彼は日本語 も 話せる。
(Kare wa Nihongo mo hanaseru.)
He can speak Japanese too.
2. ～すぎる (-sugiru)
By attaching the suffix ～すぎる (-sugiru) to the stem of an adjective or verb, you can express excessiveness or that something is “too” much or “overly”.
Example:
この料理は辛すぎる。
(Kono ryōri wa karasugiru.)
This dish is too spicy.
2. Formal Ways to Say “Too”
In more formal situations or when speaking politely, the following expressions are commonly used to convey the meaning of “too” in Japanese:
1. ～もまた (/~mo mata)
By combining the particle も (mo) with the polite word また (mata), you can express agreement or similarity in a formal manner, meaning “also” or “too.”
Example:
彼は親切です。社長 もまた 親切です。
(Kare wa shinsetsu desu. Shachō mo mata shinsetsu desu.)
He is kind. The president is kind too.
2. ～すぎます (-sugimasu)
Similar to the informal form, attaching the polite ending ～ます (-masu) to the stem of an adjective or verb and adding すぎます (-sugimasu) expresses that something is “too” much or “overly” in a polite manner.
Example:
この町は静かすぎます。
(Kono machi wa shizuka-sugimasu.)
This town is too quiet.
3. Regional Variations
While Japanese is largely standardized across the country, there are a few regional variations in how “too” can be expressed. Here are a couple of examples:
1. 過ぎる (sugiru)
In some regions, the word 過ぎる (sugiru) is used instead of すぎる (-sugiru) to express excessiveness or something being “too” much.
Example:
このケーキは甘過ぎる。
(Kono kēki wa amasugiru.)
This cake is too sweet.
2. ～ばかり (bakari)
In certain regions, the expression ～ばかり (bakari) can be used to convey the meaning of “only” or “just” but also “too” depending on the context.
Example:
友達は遊ぶばかりしている。
(Tomodachi wa asobu bakari shite iru.)
My friend does nothing but play all the time.
These regional variations give a glimpse into the linguistic diversity across Japan, but they are not essential for everyday communication.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to say “too” in Japanese, both formally and informally. Remember to consider the context and level of politeness required in a conversation. Whether you opt for the casual も (mo) or the more formal ～もまた (~mo mata), you will be able to express the concept of “too” with ease. Try using these expressions in your daily conversations and gradually build your fluency in Japanese!
