How to Say "overdo it" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “overdo it” is “pasarme” — B1 level.
Examples
Disculpa, creo que me pasé con la broma.
Sorry, I think I went too far with the joke.
No quiero pasarme, voy a comer solo un poco de postre.
I don't want to overdo it, I'm only going to eat a little dessert.
Me pasé tres horas viendo televisión anoche.
I spent/wasted three hours watching TV last night.
The Reflexive Change
When 'pasar' becomes 'pasarse' (using the 'se' form), the meaning shifts from simple movement ('to pass') to action directed inward ('to cross a personal limit'). The 'me' ensures the limit crossed is yours.
Forgetting the Preposition
Mistake: “Me pasé la línea. (I passed the line.)”
Correction: Often requires the preposition 'de' or 'con' to indicate the limit being exceeded: 'Me pasé de la línea' or 'Me pasé con la sal.'
Related Translations
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