Translation and Meaning of: 過ぎ - sugi

The Japanese word 過ぎ[すぎ] is a common term in everyday language, but it can raise questions for students and curious learners. Its main meaning is related to the idea of excess or passage, and it appears in various situations in daily life, from informal conversations to more formal expressions. In this article, we will explore the usage, origin, and contexts in which this word appears, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly.

If you have ever wondered how to use すぎ in sentences or why it is so frequent in Japanese, this text will clarify those questions. Furthermore, we will explore how this word connects with Japanese culture and what the most common mistakes are when trying to translate it into other languages. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, Suki Nihongo is a great reference for learning Japanese practically.

Meaning and use of 過ぎ[すぎ]

The term すぎ functions as a suffix that indicates excess or something that exceeds a limit. When added to a verb in the て form or to an adjective, it conveys the idea of "too much" or "excessively." For example, 食べすぎ means "eating too much," while 高すぎ means "too expensive." This construction is extremely useful in both colloquial and formal Japanese.

Additionally, すぎ can also appear alone to indicate that something has passed a certain point. If someone says "3時過ぎ", it means "after three o'clock". This dual function makes the word versatile and essential for those learning the language. It's worth practicing it in different contexts to firmly establish its usage.

Origin and structure of the kanji 過

The kanji 過 is composed of the radical 辶, which is related to movement, and the component 咼, which contributes to the pronunciation. Together, they form a character that conveys the idea of "passing through something" or "exceeding." This combination helps to understand why すぎ has meanings related to both excess and the passage of time or space.

Interestingly, this kanji also appears in other words such as 過去 (past) and 過失 (error), reinforcing the notion of something that goes beyond what is expected. Studying the origin of characters can be a great way to memorize vocabulary, especially when the radicals and components have clear meanings like in this case.

Tips for memorizing and using すぎ correctly

An effective way to solidify the use of すぎ is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, when eating too much, think of 食べすぎ. If a price seems too high, remember 高すぎ. This connection with real experiences helps to internalize the term naturally.

Another tip is to pay attention to how the Japanese use すぎ in series, animes, and conversations. Often, it appears in contexts of exaggeration or joking, like in 遅すぎ！ ("too late!"). Observing these uses in Japanese entertainment can make learning more fun and contextualized.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 過去 (Kako) - Past
• 過ぎ去る (Sugisaru) - To pass, although the focus is on the action that departs or goes away.
• 過ぎ去りし (Sugisarishi) - A past that is already gone, emphasizing a more nostalgic aspect.
• 過ぎ去った (Sugisatta) - Finished, indicating that something is gone.
• 過ぎ去って (Sugisatte) - In a way that has already passed, referring to a continuous state.
• 過ぎ去り (Sugisari) - Referring to the act of leaving or to what has already passed.
• 過ぎ去りし時 (Sugisarishi Toki) - The time that has passed, evoking the passage of time.
• 過ぎ去りし日 (Sugisarishi Hi) - The days that have passed, reminiscing about days gone by.
• 過ぎ去りし夢 (Sugisarishi Yume) - Dreams that have faded, implying nostalgia.
• 過ぎ去りし風景 (Sugisarishi Fūkei) - Scenes that have passed, evoking memories.
• 過ぎ去りし恋 (Sugisarishi Koi) - Love that has faded, reflecting on emotional loss.
• 過ぎ去りし人 (Sugisarishi Hito) - People who have passed, remembering someone from the past.
• 過ぎ去りし季節 (Sugisarishi Kisetsu) - Seasons that have passed, marking seasonal changes.
• 過ぎ去りし思い出 (Sugisarishi Omoide) - Memories that have passed, highlighting intense recollections.
• 過ぎ去りし時間 (Sugisarishi Jikan) - Time that has passed, reflecting on lost time.
• 過ぎ去りし日々 (Sugisarishi Hibi) - Days that have passed, emphasizing the nostalgia of the lived days.
• 過ぎ去りし年月 (Sugisarishi Toshi Tsuki) - The years that have passed, indicating a longer period.
• 過ぎ去りし春 (Sugisarishi Haru) - Spring that has passed, evoking specific seasons.
• 過ぎ去りし秋 (Sugisarishi Aki) - Autumn that has passed, also highlighting the change of seasons.
• 過ぎ去りし冬 (Sugisarishi Fuyu) - Winter that has passed, bringing a feeling of reminiscence of the cold seasons.

過ぎ

Romaji: sugi
Kana: すぎ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: past; after

Meaning in English: past;after

Definition: Exceed or surpass the standard of something.

Example Sentences - (過ぎ) sugi

See below some example sentences:

年月が過ぎるのは早いものだ。

Toshidzuki ga sugiru no wa hayai mono da

The years passed quickly.

• 年月 - means "years and months" in Japanese
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 過ぎる - verb that means "pass" or "overtake"
• の - particle that indicates a nominal phrase
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 早い - adjective that means "fast" or "early"
• もの - noun meaning "thing" or "object"
• だ - verb that indicates the affirmative present form of the sentence

時間が過ぎるのは早いですね。

Jikan ga sugiru no wa hayai desu ne

Time goes by fast

Time passes quickly.

• 時間 (jikan) - time
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 過ぎる (sugiru) - spend time)
• のは (no wa) - Topic particle
• 早い (hayai) - fast, early
• です (desu) - Verb to be
• ね (ne) - confirmation particle

私は毎日通り過ぎる公園が大好きです。

Watashi wa mainichi toorisugiru kouen ga daisuki desu

I love the park that I pass every day.

I love the park that passes every day.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
• 通り過ぎる (toorisugiru) - verb meaning "to pass by"
• 公園 (kouen) - noun that means "park"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "park"
• 大好き (daisuki) - adjective meaning "very loved"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the sentence