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.
This train is always packed.
Literally 'full of people', a very common and natural way to say a place is packed.
The venue was packed with people.
Means 'full house' or 'no vacancy', often used for events, theaters, or when capacity is reached.
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.
The morning commuter train is packed like sardines.
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.
The suitcase is packed with clothes.
Onomatopoeic word meaning 'stuffed to bursting', very common for bags or suitcases that are overpacked.
My bag is packed full; I can't fit anything else in.
Literally 'stuffed/crammed in', emphasizes the action of packing things tightly.
The box is packed with lots of apples.
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.
This week is packed with plans.
A simple and common way to say your schedule is full.
Literally 'a minute-by-minute schedule', emphasizing a very tightly packed timetable.
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.
The store is crowded.
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.
The stadium was packed with fans.
My suitcase is packed and ready to go.
I have a packed schedule today.
Tomorrow my schedule is packed and I have no time to rest.
The company president operates on a minute-by-minute packed schedule.