N311/219

あまり

あまりに + 形容詞/副詞 + のであまりに + 形容詞/副詞 + てあまり + 名詞 + の + で/にはあまり + 〜ない (as not very, in negative contexts)

Meanings

  • so much that (emphasizes excess leading to a result)
  • to a great extent
  • too … to … (negative consequence)

About this pattern

Explanation

あまり is used to express excess. When paired with 〜に or 〜て, it shows that something is so X that it causes a result or reaction. It can also appear before a negative statement to mean “not very” in a negative context, but in this entry we focus on the “so much … that” sense. Typical contexts include describing emotions, conditions, or circumstances that are beyond what is ordinary and lead to a consequence.

Learn in context

Example sentences

あまり美しくて、見とれてしまった。

It was so beautiful that I was marveling.

あまりの雨で、試合が中止になった。

The rain was so heavy that the game was canceled.

あまりにも忙しくて、昼ごはんを食べる暇がなかった。

I was so busy that I had no time to eat lunch.

あまり高くて、買えません。

It's so expensive that I can't buy it.

あまりの暑さに、外へ出られない。

The heat is so intense that I can't go outside.