Translation guide
The English phrase 'be packed' can describe a place that is very crowded, items that are tightly filled into a container, or a schedule that is completely full. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these situations.
Describing a place (store, train, event, etc.) that is full of people.
The most common and neutral way to say a place is crowded or packed with people.
この電車はいつも混んでいます。
This train is always packed.
Literally 'full of people', a very common and natural way to say a place is packed.
Describing a suitcase, box, bag, etc. that is filled tightly with items.
Describes something packed tightly and fully, with no empty space. Works for suitcases, boxes, schedules, etc.
スーツケースに服がぎっしり詰まっている。
The suitcase is packed with clothes.
Describing a day, week, or schedule that has no free time.
The most natural way to say a schedule is packed. Uses the same 'gisshiri' as for physical packing.
今週は予定がぎっしり詰まっている。
This week is packed with plans.
Both mean 'crowded', but 混んでいる focuses on the state of being crowded (often with movement), while 人でいっぱいだ emphasizes that the space is filled with people. 混んでいる is slightly more formal and common in announcements.
店内は混んでいます。
The store is crowded.
店内は人でいっぱいです。
The store is packed with people.
Do not translate 'be packed' literally as パックされる (pakku sareru), which means 'to be packaged/wrapped' and is not used for crowds or schedules.
スタジアムはファンでいっぱいだった。
The stadium was packed with fans.
スーツケースは荷物がぎっしり詰まっていて、いつでも出発できる。
My suitcase is packed and ready to go.
今日は予定がぎっしり詰まっている。
I have a packed schedule today.
会場は人でいっぱいだった。
The venue was packed with people.
Means 'full house' or 'no vacancy', often used for events, theaters, or when capacity is reached.
映画館は満員で入れなかった。
The movie theater was packed and we couldn't get in.
Literally 'packed like sushi', a vivid expression for extremely crowded conditions, especially on trains.
朝の通勤電車はすし詰め状態だ。
The morning commuter train is packed like sardines.
Onomatopoeic word meaning 'stuffed to bursting', very common for bags or suitcases that are overpacked.
かばんがパンパンで、もう何も入らない。
My bag is packed full; I can't fit anything else in.
Literally 'stuffed/crammed in', emphasizes the action of packing things tightly.
箱にりんごがたくさん詰め込まれている。
The box is packed with lots of apples.
A simple and common way to say your schedule is full.
明日はスケジュールがいっぱいで、休む時間がない。
Tomorrow my schedule is packed and I have no time to rest.
Literally 'a minute-by-minute schedule', emphasizing a very tightly packed timetable.
社長は分刻みのスケジュールで動いている。
The company president operates on a minute-by-minute packed schedule.