Describe Intensity or Degree: とても and すぎる
In basic Japanese, two common words used to describe intensity or degree are とても (totemo) and すぎる (sugiru). While both words can indicate an extreme degree of something, they are used differently in sentences. This post will explain these words, their usage, and provide examples to help clarify their meanings.
とても (Totemo)
とても is an adverb that means "very" or "extremely." It is used to emphasize the degree of an adjective or verb, showing that something is to a high degree but within normal limits. It doesn't imply anything negative or excessive.
Usage Example Translation Before adjectives とても あつい です。 It is very hot. Before verbs とても たのしみ に して います。 I am looking forward to it a lot.
すぎる (Sugiru)
すぎる means "too much" or "excessive." It can be attached to verbs, adjectives, and even some nouns to indicate that something goes beyond a desirable or acceptable level. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that something is more than it should be.
Usage Example Translation After adjectives たかい すぎる。 It is too expensive. After verbs (ます-form) たべ すぎる。 Eat too much.
Key Differences
Feature とても (Totemo) すぎる (Sugiru) Degree of Intensity High but within normal limits Beyond normal, excessive Connotation Neutral or positive Often negative Placement in Sentence Before adjectives and verbs After adjectives and verbs (ます-form)
せんせい は とても しんせつ です。 - The teacher is very kind.
この ほん は とても おもしろい です。 - This book is very interesting.
たべもの が すくない すぎる。 - The food is too little.
かんじ を べんきょう し すぎる。 - Study kanji too much.
とても and すぎる are useful words to express varying degrees of intensity in Japanese. While とても emphasizes a high degree in a positive or neutral way, すぎる indicates an excessive amount, often with a negative implication. Understanding the differences between these two words will help you express yourself more accurately in Japanese.
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In basic Japanese, two common words used to describe intensity or degree are とても (totemo) and すぎる (sugiru). While both words can indicate an extreme degree of something, they are used differently in sentences. This post will explain these words, their usage, and provide examples to help clarify their meanings.
とても (Totemo)
とても is an adverb that means "very" or "extremely." It is used to emphasize the degree of an adjective or verb, showing that something is to a high degree but within normal limits. It doesn't imply anything negative or excessive.
| Usage | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Before adjectives | とても あつい です。 | It is very hot. |
| Before verbs | とても たのしみ に して います。 | I am looking forward to it a lot. |
すぎる (Sugiru)
すぎる means "too much" or "excessive." It can be attached to verbs, adjectives, and even some nouns to indicate that something goes beyond a desirable or acceptable level. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that something is more than it should be.
| Usage | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| After adjectives | たかい すぎる。 | It is too expensive. |
| After verbs (ます-form) | たべ すぎる。 | Eat too much. |
Key Differences
| Feature | とても (Totemo) | すぎる (Sugiru) |
|---|---|---|
| Degree of Intensity | High but within normal limits | Beyond normal, excessive |
| Connotation | Neutral or positive | Often negative |
| Placement in Sentence | Before adjectives and verbs | After adjectives and verbs (ます-form) |
せんせい は とても しんせつ です。 - The teacher is very kind.
この ほん は とても おもしろい です。 - This book is very interesting.
たべもの が すくない すぎる。 - The food is too little.
かんじ を べんきょう し すぎる。 - Study kanji too much.
とても and すぎる are useful words to express varying degrees of intensity in Japanese. While とても emphasizes a high degree in a positive or neutral way, すぎる indicates an excessive amount, often with a negative implication. Understanding the differences between these two words will help you express yourself more accurately in Japanese.