にもほどがある
🃏 Flashcard
にもほどがある
nimo hodo ga aru
Tap to reveal usage
to go too far
N1
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N1
Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms
Reading
nimo hodo ga aru
Post ID
51323
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
to go too far
📖 How to use it
Used to criticize something as going too far, beyond reasonable limits.
Attaches to
Attach to the plain form of a noun (often a な-adjective stem) or directly after a noun phrase, with にもほどがある following. Example: 冗談にもほどがある.
This pattern expresses that something has exceeded acceptable bounds. It's a strong criticism, often used in frustration or exasperation. The phrase literally means 'even in joking there is a limit', but it can attach to other nouns to say 'there's a limit to X'. It's an N1-level, somewhat formal expression, but you might hear it in dramatic conversations or written complaints. It's not something you'd use casually with friends about trivial matters — it implies serious overstepping.
冗談にもほどがある。
Joudan nimo hodo ga aru.
There's a limit to joking. (You've gone too far with your jokes.)
あの店の値段にもほどがある。
Ano mise no nedan nimo hodo ga aru.
That store's prices are outrageous.
彼のわがままにもほどがある。
Kare no wagamama nimo hodo ga aru.
His selfishness has gone too far.
Not 〜すぎる (too much)
すぎる is attached directly to verbs, adjectives, and nouns to indicate excess, and is neutral or colloquial. にもほどがある is used specifically with nouns and carries a strong critical tone, focusing on limits in behavior or situations.
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Formal or semi-formal; used in writing or in serious spoken contexts. Not for casual banter.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
にもほどがある
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat にもほどがある three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using にもほどがある. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N1 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern にもほどがある mean?
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To go too far
What JLPT level is にもほどがある?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N1 — Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use にもほどがある in a sentence?
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Attach にもほどがある (nimo hodo ga aru) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is にもほどがある formal or casual Japanese?
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にもほどがある is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember にもほどがある long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.