Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'crowd' depends on whether you mean a gathering of people, a packed space, or the general public. The most common word is 人混み (hitogomi) for a bustling crowd. For a large gathering or audience, 群衆 (gunshū) is used. To describe a place as crowded, use adjectives like 混んでいる (konde iru).
Describing a dense, moving crowd, often in streets, stations, or events.
The most common word for a crowd of people, especially in busy public places. Implies a bustling, somewhat chaotic mix of people.
駅は人混みでいっぱいだった。
The station was full of crowds.
人混みを避けて裏道を通った。
I avoided the crowds and took a back street.
A large gathering or throng of people, often in a public space or event. Slightly more formal than 人混み.
広場には大勢の群衆が集まっていた。
A large crowd had gathered in the square.
A crowd that has formed around something of interest, like a street performer or accident. Emphasizes people clustering around a focal point.
事故現場に人だかりができていた。
A crowd had gathered at the accident scene.
Describing a place that is full of people, busy, or packed.
The standard way to say a place is crowded. Used for trains, shops, streets, etc.
この電車はいつも混んでいる。
This train is always crowded.
週末の公園はとても混んでいる。
The park is very crowded on weekends.
More formal than 混んでいる. Often used in announcements or written descriptions of congestion.
駅構内は大変混雑しています。
The station premises are very crowded.
Literally 'full of people'. A casual, emphatic way to say a place is packed.
会場は人でいっぱいだった。
The venue was packed with people.
Referring to the general public or a large, undifferentiated group of people.
The masses, the general public. Often used in sociological or political contexts.
その政治家は大衆の支持を得た。
The politician gained the support of the masses.
Similar to 群衆 but can also imply a more disorderly mob. Less common in everyday speech.
Describing the action of people gathering densely or pressing around something.
To swarm or crowd around, often like insects. Used for people or animals gathering in large numbers.
人々がその店に群がった。
People crowded around the store.
To surge or rush forward in a crowd, like waves. Emphasizes forward movement.
人混み (hitogomi) is for everyday bustling crowds you navigate through. 群衆 (gunshū) is for a gathered mass, often static or in a public event. Use 人混み for 'I hate crowds' (人混みが嫌いだ) and 群衆 for 'The crowd cheered' (群衆が歓声をあげた).
Avoid phrases like 人混みの人 (person of the crowd). Instead, use 群衆の中の一人 (one person in the crowd) or simply 人混みにいる人 (a person in the crowd).
怒った群集が建物に押し寄せた。
An angry crowd surged toward the building.
ファンがステージに押し寄せた。
Fans crowded toward the stage.