N2Cause & Reason

V辞書形・た形 / Naな / Nの + あまり

Q: Is "Using this pattern with positive results that aren't extreme or accidental." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use this pattern only with extreme or accidental results.". This pattern is used to indicate an unexpected or abnormal result, so it should not be used with positive results that are not extreme or accidental.

Q: Is "Forgetting to use the particle 'の' after the noun." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the particle 'の' after the noun.". The particle 'の' is necessary to indicate possession or a relationship between the noun and the following word.

Q: Is "Confusing this pattern with 'amari ... nai' (not much)." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'amari ... nai' to indicate a lack or insufficiency.". The meaning of 'amari ... nai' is opposite of this pattern, so it should not be used in the same context.

So much that (excessive)

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V辞書形・た形 / Naな / Nの + あまり" is used to indicate that an extreme degree of a feeling or state leads to an unintended or abnormal result. It often conveys a sense of surprise or unexpectedness. For example, if someone is extremely happy, they might cry tears of joy, which is an unintended result of their happiness. This pattern is commonly used with nouns representing emotions, such as 'odoroki' (surprise), 'kinchoo' (delight), and 'kanashimi' (sorrow).

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
V辞書形 (dictionary form) or た形 (past tense form)	V辞書形・た形 / Naな / Nの + あまり	嬉しい + あまり = 嬉しさの + あまり
Naな (adjectival form)	Naな / Nの + あまり	大変な + あまり = 大変さの + あまり
Nの (possessive form)	Nの + あまり	悲しみの + あまり = 悲しみの + あまり

Examples

Example Sentences

合格の知らせを聞いて、嬉しさのあまり涙が出てきた。

Goukaku no tsutaewo kiite, ureshisa no amari namida ga detekita.

I cried tears of joy when I heard the news of my passing the exam.

合格の知らせ (news of passing the exam), 嬉しさのあまり (tears of joy)

緊張するあまり、スピーチの内容を忘れてしまった。

Kinchou suru amari, supiichi no naiyou o wasurete shimatta.

I forgot the content of the speech due to my nervousness.

緊張するあまり (due to my nervousness)

仕事が忙しいあまり、体調を崩してしまった。

Shigoto ga isogashii amari, taijou o kowashite shimatta.

I collapsed due to my busy work schedule.

仕事が忙しいあまり (due to my busy work schedule)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to indicate an extreme degree of a feeling or state that leads to an unintended or abnormal result. It is often used with nouns representing emotions. The register is informal, and it is commonly used in spoken language. This pattern can be confused with 'amari ... nai' (not much), but the meaning is opposite.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using this pattern with positive results that aren't extreme or accidental.

Use this pattern only with extreme or accidental results.

This pattern is used to indicate an unexpected or abnormal result, so it should not be used with positive results that are not extreme or accidental.

Forgetting to use the particle 'の' after the noun.

Use the particle 'の' after the noun.

The particle 'の' is necessary to indicate possession or a relationship between the noun and the following word.

Confusing this pattern with 'amari ... nai' (not much).

Use 'amari ... nai' to indicate a lack or insufficiency.

The meaning of 'amari ... nai' is opposite of this pattern, so it should not be used in the same context.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it correctly to indicate an extreme degree of a feeling or state that leads to an unintended or abnormal result. Pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence.

In context