What it means
あまり expresses an excessive degree: “too much,” “far too,” or “excessively.” In the pattern あまりに + predicate, it emphasizes that a person, thing, or situation greatly exceeds a normal or expected level. It can modify a verb, an i-adjective, or a na-adjective, and it is often stronger than simply saying that something is very much the case. The related pattern noun + のあまり describes an overwhelming feeling or condition that causes a result.
Usage note
Do not confuse this affirmative use with あまり + negative predicate, which usually means “not very” or “not much.” あまりに can also appear as あまりにも, with an even stronger emphasis.
How to use it
彼は合格の喜びのあまり、声が出ませんでした。
He was so happy about passing that he could not speak.
この通りはあまりに静かです。
This street is far too quiet.
この荷物はあまりに重いです。
This luggage is far too heavy.
その知らせに私はあまりに驚きました。
I was extremely surprised by that news.
彼は合格の喜びのあまり、声が出なかった。
He was so happy about passing that he could not speak.
この通りはあまりに静かだ。
This street is far too quiet.
この荷物はあまりに重い。
This luggage is far too heavy.
その知らせに私はあまりに驚いた。
I was extremely surprised by that news.
Example sentences
あまりに暑かったので、窓を開けたまま眠ってしまいました。
Because it was far too hot, I fell asleep with the window left open.
緊張のあまり、名前を書くことさえ忘れてしまいました。
I was so nervous that I even forgot to write my name.
新しい駅はあまりに広くて、出口を見つけるまで三十分もかかりました。
The new station was so large that it took a full thirty minutes to find an exit.