立(た)て込(こ)む

たてこむ
verb (godan, intransitive)
to be crowded; to be busy
1. to be crowded; to be packed
For a place to be densely crowded with buildings or people.
建物(たてもの)が立(た)て込(こ)んでいる地域(ちいき)だ。
It's an area densely packed with buildings.
2. to be busy; to be swamped
To be occupied with many tasks or appointments in succession.
今日(きょう)は予定(よてい)が立(た)て込(こ)んでいます。
I'm swamped with appointments today.
仕事(しごと)が立(た)て込(こ)んでいて会(あ)えない。
I'm too busy with work to meet.

COMPOUND VERB:
立(た)てる (to set up) + 込(こ)む (to become crowded)

TRANSITIVITY:
自動詞(じどうし) (intransitive)

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 予定(よてい)が立(た)て込(こ)む: to be swamped with appointments
  • 仕事(しごと)が立(た)て込(こ)む: to be busy with work
  • 建物(たてもの)が立(た)て込(こ)む: buildings are densely packed

NUANCE:
Often used to politely decline invitations or explain unavailability—implies being unavoidably busy.

general
Added 2026.1.16 18:37 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
05500/05691_tatekomu