More than one can handle with 荷が重い

The expression 荷(に)が重(おも)い literally translates to “the load is heavy”. It is used metaphorically to express the feeling that a responsibility, task, or situation is too much to handle, overwhelming, or burdensome.

A similar idiom in English is to “have too much on one’s plate”.

Dictionary Definition

力量(りきりょう)にくらべて、負担(ふたん)や責任(せきにん)が大(おお)き過(す)ぎる。

The burden and responsibility are too great compared to the degree of ability to get things done.

Goo Dictionary

Examples

Too much to handle on top of class representative duties with 荷が重い

Tako and Azu tell their teacher they want to participate in the sports day relay race. The teacher points out that participants have already been decided when one of the decided participants chimes in.

生徒(せいと):

「私(わたし)もクラス代表(だいひょう)はちょっと荷(に)が重(おも)いなと思(おも)っていたので…」

“I was also thinking I have too much on my plate as class representative.”

「できれば代(か)わってもらえたら嬉(うれ)しいです」

“I'd be happy if I could switch out.”