Entry
ぎっしり
gisshiri
Completely full or tightly packed without any gaps.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes a state where a container, space, or schedule is filled to capacity with no room left for anything else.
- Physical objects in containers
- Busy schedules or time
- Crowded spaces with people
Sense Map
Physical Contents
Describes objects packed tightly inside a box, bag, or shelf.
本棚に本がぎっしり並んでいる。
Schedule and Time
Describes a calendar or plan that is completely full with no free time.
今週は予定がぎっしり詰まっている。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぎっしり(と) + Verb
Used as an adverb to describe the manner in which something is filled or packed into a space.
ぎっしりの + Noun
Used to modify a noun to describe an object that is very densely packed or full.
予定がぎっしりだ
A common expression used to state that one's schedule is completely full with no breaks.
How to Use
Common Phrases
予定がぎっしり
full schedule
中身がぎっしり
packed contents
カバンにぎっしり
packed in a bag
ぎっしり詰まる
to be crammed full
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical storage | Neutral | Describes a state of being full objectively without emotional judgment. |
| Work schedule | Slightly Negative | Often implies that one is extremely busy and perhaps feeling a bit overwhelmed. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びっしり びっしり / similar | Use when items are spread evenly covering a surface, like stars in the sky or sweat on a forehead. | It focuses on the extent of surface coverage rather than the volume inside a container. | 額に汗がびっしりかく。 |
ぴったり ぴったり / similar | Use for an exact or perfect fit between two things in terms of size or timing. | It implies precision and matching rather than just density or a high quantity. | この靴はサイズがぴったりだ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using gisshiri to describe clothing that fits perfectly on the body.
Use pittari instead, as gisshiri refers to density of contents rather than fit.
Using it to describe mold covering the surface of bread.
Use bisshiri because the focus is on the spread across a surface.
Examples
Examples
ダンボールに本をぎっしり詰め込んだ。
ダンボールにほんをぎっしりつめこんだ。
I crammed books tightly into the cardboard box.
LiteralShows physical objects being put into a container until full.
来週の予定は月曜日から金曜日までぎっしりだ。
らいしゅうのよていはげつようびからきんようびまでぎっしりだ。
Next week's schedule is completely full from Monday to Friday.
FigurativeUsed to describe a time or schedule that has no gaps.
この肉まんは中身がぎっしり入っていて美味しい。
このにくまんはなかみがぎっしりはいっていておいしい。
This meat bun is delicious because it is tightly packed with filling.
VisualDescribes the density of food filling seen when opened.
父の部屋には本棚にぎっしりと専門書が並んでいる。
ちちのへやにはほんだなにぎっしりとせんもんしょがならんでいる。
In my father's room, technical books are lined up tightly on the bookshelf.
VisualDescribes the visual appearance of books arranged without gaps on a shelf.
スタジアムには観客がぎっしり入っている。
スタジアムにはかんきゃくがぎっしりはいっている。
The stadium is packed with spectators.
LiteralDescribes the physical state of many people in a limited space.
Similar Words
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. Used for things spread densely over a surface.
ぴったり
pittari
Describes things that fit perfectly, match exactly, or an action that stops completely.
Questions
Can gisshiri be used for people?
Yes, it is often used to describe a room or an event that is crammed full of people.
Can it be used to describe liquids?
No, gisshiri is typically used for countable solid objects or grains packed together.
What is the difference between gisshiri and ippai?
Ippai simply means full, while gisshiri gives a strong impression that things are squeezed tightly together with no gaps.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003590
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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