溢れ出す

• Reading: あふれだす
• Romaji: afuredasu
• Kanji breakdown: 溢 (itsu/afure) — overflow, brim over; 出 (shutsu/da) — exit, begin, put out
• Pronunciation: /a.ɸɯ.ɾe.da.sɯ/

Meaning

To overflow and gush out; to spill over; to well up and pour forth. Suggests a sudden or uncontrolled release of something that had accumulated.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb combining 溢れる (to overflow) and 出す (to begin/to let out). The compound emphasises the initial moment of overflowing — the transition from contained to uncontained. Used for water, tears, emotions, and people flooding out of a space. In literary contexts, often used to describe emotions that can no longer be suppressed.

Examples

1. 堰が決壊し、大量の水が田んぼへと溢れ出した。 The dam burst, and a large volume of water gushed out into the paddy fields.
2. 子どもの成長を語る母の目から、涙が溢れ出してきた。 Tears welled up and overflowed from the eyes of the mother as she spoke about her child's growth.
3. 長年抑えてきた彼女の悲しみが溢れ出すように言葉になった。 The grief she had suppressed for so many years came pouring out in words.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, nature, emotions, daily life

Tone: expressive

Origin & History

Compound of 溢れる (from 溢, meaning overflow or abundance) and 出す (to put out, to begin). The character 溢 contains 水 (water) on the left, reflecting its original meaning of water overflowing a vessel.

Cultural Context

Era: Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: General