あまり (amari)

Meaning & usage

あまり expresses that an excessive emotion or physical state causes someone to lose control and produce an unintended result, such as being unable to speak or sleep. It attaches to nouns for feelings or states with Noun + のあまり, as in 悲しみのあまり, or begins with あまりの + Noun + に or で, as in あまりの暑さで. It is a somewhat formal expression, and the result clause often describes something extreme that the person could not prevent.

Example sentences 7

1. 感動かんどうのあまり、彼かれは一言ひとことも発はっすることができなかった。

   So great was his emotion that he could not utter a word.

2. 悲しみのあまり気が動転していた。

   She was beside herself with grief.

3. 彼女はあまりの怒りで言葉も出なかった。

   Such was her anger that she was lost for words.

4. 心配のあまり、夜も眠れなかった。

   I was so worried that I couldn't sleep at night.

5. 喜びのあまり、涙が止まらなかった。

   I was so happy that I couldn't stop my tears.

6. あまりの暑さで、外に出られなかった。

   It was so hot that I couldn't go outside.

7. 驚きのあまり、声も出なかった。

   I was so surprised that I couldn't speak.