Entry
びっしり
bisshiri
びっしり (bisshiri) describes a state where many items, text, or schedule appointments are densely packed or lined up with absolutely no gaps.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word emphasizes the complete absence of empty space. It is commonly used for 2D surfaces (like a notebook filled with tiny text) or timelines (a schedule packed with back-to-back meetings). Unlike 'gisshiri', which often refers to 3D volume (stuffing a box full), 'bisshiri' highlights how things are lined up or cover an area densely.
- Physical density (text, objects)
- Temporal density (schedules)
Sense Map
Surfaces & Objects
Used when objects, patterns, or text cover an area tightly without leaving any blank space.
文字がびっしり書かれている。
Time & Schedules
Used when a schedule is completely full of consecutive appointments without free time.
予定がびっしり詰まっている。
Usage Note
How to Use
びっしりと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action results in dense packing, e.g., 'lined up closely'.
びっしり + verb
The adverbial form without 'to', meaning the exact same thing but slightly more casual.
Noun + が + びっしり(だ)
Describes a state where the noun exists in a very dense, gap-less arrangement.
How to Use
Common Phrases
びっしりと並ぶ
to be lined up closely
びっしり詰まる
to be packed tightly
予定がびっしり
fully booked schedule
文字がびっしり
densely written text
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Flat surfaces (text, sweat, plants) | neutral | Shows complete coverage, sometimes to the point of being overwhelming or claustrophobic. |
| Schedules and time | neutral | Used to express an extremely busy state with back-to-back tasks and no breaks. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぎっしり ぎっしり / similar | When items are crammed into a 3D container until it's completely full. | Focuses more on volume or capacity, whereas びっしり focuses on the lack of gaps on a surface (2D) or in a sequence. | 箱にぎっしり詰める |
みっちり みっちり / similar | When doing an activity (like practice or studying) intensely and thoroughly. | Not used for the physical density of objects, but rather for the intensity and thoroughness of an action. | みっちり練習する |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using びっしり for a single large object filling a room.
びっしり requires multiple individual items (like letters, teeth, or events) lining up closely; it cannot be used for one big thing.
Always treating びっしり and ぎっしり as interchangeable.
Use ぎっしり for items stuffed in a box (3D volume) and びっしり for text on paper or a timeline (2D/sequence).
Examples
Examples
ノートに文字がびっしりと書かれている。
ノートにもじが[びっしり]とかかれている。
The notebook is densely filled with text with no empty space.
VisualFocuses on the lack of blank space on the paper's surface.
サメの口には小さな歯がびっしり生えている。
さめのくちにはちいさなはが[びっしり]はえている。
Small teeth grow densely packed inside the shark's mouth.
VisualShows a row of objects (teeth) lined up with no gaps.
今週は会議の予定がびっしり詰まっている。
こんしゅうはかいぎのよていが[びっしり]つまっている。
This week's schedule is completely packed with meetings.
FigurativePhysical density is extended to the concept of time and schedules.
丘の上には家がびっしりと並んでいる。
おかのうえにはいえが[びっしり]とならんでいる。
Houses are lined up densely on top of the hill.
VisualDescribes a landscape of buildings built closely to one another.
緊張して、額に汗をびっしりかいた。
きんちょうして、ひたいにあせを[びっしり]かいた。
Due to nervousness, sweat formed densely on the forehead.
VisualCountless beads of sweat covering the skin's surface.
Similar Words
みっちり
micchiri
Used for the intensity of an action (like practicing hard), not for the physical density of objects.
ぴったり
pittari
Describes things that fit perfectly, match exactly, or an action that stops completely.
ぎっしり
gisshiri
Tightly packed or completely filled with absolutely no empty space or free time left. Focuses on a 3D container stuffed full, whereas びっしり is often for surfaces or sequences with no gaps.
Questions
What is the difference between びっしり (bisshiri) and ぎっしり (gisshiri)?
Both mean full, but ぎっしり is better for contents stuffed in a container (like a suitcase full of clothes), while びっしり is for things lined up tightly on a surface (like words on a page).
Do I have to use と (to) after びっしり?
No, it's optional. You can say びっしり詰まる or びっしりと詰まる. Using 'to' sounds slightly more formal.
Can びっしり be used for people?
Yes, it can describe a crowd of people standing very closely together with no space between them.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010770
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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