オーバー

• Reading: オーバー
• Romaji: oobaa
• Pronunciation: /oː.baː/

Meaning

Overcoat; over, exceeding; exaggeration. A versatile loanword with multiple meanings.

From English 'over.' Has three main uses in Japanese: (1) an overcoat or heavy outer garment, (2) exceeding a limit (予算オーバー = over budget), and (3) exaggerating (オーバーな表現 = exaggerated expression). The clothing meaning is somewhat dated.

Examples

1. 寒いからオーバーを着て出かけた。 It was cold, so I put on an overcoat before going out.
2. 今月は予算をオーバーしてしまった。 I went over budget this month.
3. そんなにオーバーに驚かなくてもいいよ。 You don't have to react so dramatically.

Usage Guide

Context: clothing, budgets, exaggeration

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'over' and 'overcoat.' The word entered Japanese during the Taisho and early Showa periods when Western clothing became common.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal