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March 24, 2026
拥挤(擁擠)yōngjǐ(yong1ji3)
拥挤 (yōngjǐ) describes a state of being crowded or congested, often referring to places like public transport, streets, or events where many people gather. It emphasizes a lack of space due to the high density of individuals, conveying a sense of discomfort or overwhelming presence.
Frequency#8351DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cities, especially during holidays or festivals, public places can become extremely 拥挤, reflecting the cultural significance of communal gatherings. This concept is particularly relevant during the Spring Festival when millions travel to reunite with family.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large group of people trying to 'hug' each other (拥 means 'to hug'), but there's not enough space, making it 'crowded' (挤). Picture them all packed tightly together, like sardines in a can, to remember the pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 拥挤
yōngjǐ(yong1ji3)
1crowded
2to throng
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 拥挤
拥挤Simplified
擁擠Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#8351Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 拥挤
Podcast: 拥挤
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AI Study Notes for 拥挤
Quick Contrast
拥挤 (yōngjǐ) vs 拥塞 (yōngsè) — choose 拥挤 when referring specifically to crowdedness of people, while 拥塞 refers to congestion in traffic.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large group of people trying to 'hug' each other (拥 means 'to hug'), but there's not enough space, making it 'crowded' (挤). Picture them all packed tightly together, like sardines in a can, to remember the pronunciation and meaning.
Usage Notes
When using 拥挤, be mindful of its context; it is often used in negative situations, such as describing an uncomfortable crowd. Avoid confusing it with similar words like 拥有 (to possess), which has a different meaning. The tone of the word can affect its nuance; for example, saying '非常拥挤' (very crowded) emphasizes the severity.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 拥挤 connects with other vocabulary related to travel and daily life experiences. Focus on using it in sentences about public transportation or events. Practice constructing sentences to enhance your fluency and contextual understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cities, especially during holidays or festivals, public places can become extremely 拥挤, reflecting the cultural significance of communal gatherings. This concept is particularly relevant during the Spring Festival when millions travel to reunite with family.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 拥挤 with 繁忙 (busy), leading to sentences like '这个地方很繁忙' (This place is very busy) when they mean '这个地方很拥挤' (This place is very crowded). Remember to use 拥挤 specifically for crowding situations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拥挤
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Grammar Patterns of 拥挤
拥挤 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
____的市场是扒手大展身手的好地方。
Crowded markets are a happy hunting ground for pickpockets.
Example Sentences for 拥挤 (10)
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1
拥挤的市场是扒手大展身手的好地方。
yōng jǐ de shì cháng shì bā shǒu dà zhǎn shēn shǒu de hǎo dì fāng。
Crowded markets are a happy hunting ground for pickpockets.
2
在那些拥挤的街道她的穿着并未引起注意。
zài nà xiē yōng jǐ de jiē dào tā de chuān zháo bìng wèi yǐn qǐ zhù yì。
In those crowded streets her attire did not rate a second glance.
Many lived in overcrowded buildings in the poor sections of large cities.
10
一辆豪华轿车载着她沿着拥挤的高速公路飞速驶向机场。
yī liàng háo huá jiào chē zǎi zháo tā yán zháo yōng jǐ de gāo sù gōng lù fēi sù shǐ xiàng jī cháng。
A limousine swept her along the busy freeway to the airport.
Cultural Notes for 拥挤
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cities, especially during holidays or festivals, public places can become extremely 拥挤, reflecting the cultural significance of communal gatherings. This concept is particularly relevant during the Spring Festival when millions travel to reunite with family.
Frequently Asked Questions about 拥挤
No, 拥挤 can also refer to things like traffic congestion or crowded places, such as markets.
Generally, 拥挤 has a negative connotation, implying discomfort, so it's not usually used positively.
You can say: '今天的地铁非常拥挤' (Today's subway is very crowded).
