1.
full house; large turnout; packed audience
A situation where a venue is filled to capacity or nearly so, especially for a performance, event, or show. Carries a positive connotation of success and popularity.
今日の公演は大入りだった。
Today's performance was a full house.
連日大入りで、追加公演が決まった。
With full houses every day, additional performances were decided.
初日から大入りで、劇場の前には長い行列ができていた。
It was packed from opening day, and there was a long line in front of the theater.
Originally a theater and entertainment term, now used more broadly for any event with a large attendance. Strongly associated with traditional Japanese performing arts like kabuki and sumo.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 大入り満員: packed to capacity
- 連日大入り: full houses day after day
- 大入り袋: bonus envelope given to performers when the house is full
CULTURAL NOTE:
In sumo and kabuki, a 大入り袋 (literally "full house bag") is a small cash bonus given to all staff and performers when the venue sells out. The character 大入り written on a red banner is a familiar sight at successful shows.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 満員: full capacity — neutral term for any full venue, including trains
- 盛況: thriving, successful turnout — more formal, used for events and businesses