1.
tightly packed; densely; without gaps
Describes things packed so tightly together that there is no space between them. Emphasizes complete fullness.
みっしり is an onomatopoeic adverb that emphasizes complete density with no wasted space or gaps. It conveys a sense of things being crammed together so thoroughly that nothing more could fit.
Common patterns
- みっしり詰まる: to be packed tightly
- みっしり埋まる: to be completely filled
- みっしりと入っている: to be tightly packed inside
- みっしり並ぶ: to be lined up densely
Similar words
- ぎっしり: tightly packed (more common, nearly interchangeable)
- びっしり: densely covered/written (emphasizes surface coverage)
- ぎゅうぎゅう: crammed, squeezed (often for people in tight spaces)
- すかすか: sparse, with gaps (opposite meaning)
みっしり often takes the particle と (みっしりと) in more formal or written contexts. In casual speech, と is frequently dropped.
Related Words
Compare:
ぎっしり (tightly packed)
Compare:
びっしり (densely covered/written)
Compare:
ぎゅうぎゅう (crammed, squeezed)
Compare:
すかすか (sparse, with gaps)