1.
to be bustling, to be lively, to be crowded with activity
Describes a place that is full of people and activity, creating a lively and prosperous atmosphere. Used for markets, streets, tourist spots, and events.
商店街が賑わっている。
The shopping street is bustling.
週末はこの公園が家族連れで賑わう。
On weekends, this park bustles with families.
花見の季節になると、上野公園は大勢の人で賑わう。
When cherry blossom viewing season arrives, Ueno Park bustles with crowds.
USAGE:
賑わう is an intransitive verb. The place that is bustling is the subject, and the people or things making it lively are marked with で (観光客で賑わう — bustling with tourists). It carries a positive connotation of prosperity and liveliness.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 人で賑わう: to be bustling with people
- 観光客で賑わう: to be bustling with tourists
- 大いに賑わう: to be very lively
- 賑わいを見せる: to show liveliness
- 賑わいを取り戻す: to regain bustling activity
SIMILAR WORDS:
混む (to be crowded) is neutral and can be negative (uncomfortably crowded). 賑わう is positive, implying prosperity and cheerful energy, not just crowding. 繁盛する (to prosper, to do good business) focuses on commercial success.