noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
jam-packed; packed like sardines
Describes a space or container so crowded that people or things are pressed tightly together, like sushi rice packed into a box. Often used for trains, elevators, or small rooms.
The morning commuter train was jam-packed.
The elevator was packed like sardines; not one more person could fit.
ぎっしり can describe objects, schedules, or people packed tightly, while すし詰め specifically pictures people crammed together like sushi in a box.
Standard kanji-kana spelling. The kanji 詰め is read づめ due to rendaku.
Uses the older kanji 鮨 for sushi; rare in modern writing.
Full kanji spelling, less common but still seen.
From 寿司 (sushi) + 詰め (packing). The image comes from sushi rice being firmly pressed into a box or mold, likened to people or things packed tightly together.