〜あまり

Meaning

This N2 grammar pattern describes situations where something reaches such an extreme degree that it causes an undesirable consequence. It emphasizes that the excessive nature of a feeling, state, or action directly leads to the resulting outcome, typically negative. The pattern connects cause (being too much of something) with effect (the resulting consequence).

Formation

Examples

1. 忙しさのあまり、妻の誕生日を忘れてしまった。
   Due to being so busy, I forgot my wife's birthday.

2. 失敗を恐れるあまり、彼は何も新しい事業を始めようとしなかった。
   Because he feared failure too much, he refused to start any new business ventures.

3. あのおばあさんは孫の死を知らされて、悲しみのあまり、倒れてしまいました。
   When the elderly woman learned of her grandson's death, she was overcome with grief and collapsed.

4. 山本さんはオンラインゲームに熱心なあまり、ご飯を食べることや寝ることも忘れている。
   Yamamoto is so obsessed with online games that he forgets to eat and sleep.

Summary

• Formation: Verb dictionary form + あまり; な-adjective + な + あまり; Noun + の + あまり
• Expresses that excessive degree or emotion leads to negative consequences
• Common with emotional or state-related words: worry, busyness, shock, joy, sadness, anger, tension