Browse HSK 5 · 136 points
← HSK 5 contents

HSK 5 · VERSION 2.0#131

Comparing “jǐ” and “yōngjǐ”

挤 vs 拥挤

jǐ vs yōngjǐ

Comparison section · original #38 · level order #131

How it works

These two words are related, but they are different in grammatical role and meaning.

挤 (jǐ) is a verb. It means to squeeze, to push into, or to press against. It focuses on the action.

拥挤 (yōngjǐ) is usually an adjective or stative verb meaning crowded. It focuses on the state of a place being full of people or things.

So the basic difference is:

挤 (jǐ) = the action of squeezing or pushing into a tight space

拥挤 (yōngjǐ) = the condition of being crowded

Example sentences

下班高峰的时候,大家都往地铁里挤,场面很乱。

Xiàbān gāofēng de shíhou, dàjiā dōu wǎng dìtiě lǐ jǐ, chǎngmiàn hěn luàn.

During rush hour after work, everyone pushes into the subway, and the scene is chaotic.

这条路已经够窄了,你们别再往这边挤了。

Zhè tiáo lù yǐjīng gòu zhǎi le, nǐmen bié zài wǎng zhèbiān jǐ le.

This road is already narrow enough, so stop squeezing over this way.

这家商场周末总是特别拥挤,连走路都不太方便。

Zhè jiā shāngchǎng zhōumò zǒngshì tèbié yōngjǐ, lián zǒulù dōu bù tài fāngbiàn.

This mall is always especially crowded on weekends, and even walking becomes inconvenient.

高峰期的车站不但拥挤,而且空气也不好。

Gāofēngqī de chēzhàn bùdàn yōngjǐ, érqiě kōngqì yě bù hǎo.

Stations during peak hours are not only crowded, but the air is also poor.

Key point

挤 (jǐ) describes what people do. 拥挤 (yōngjǐ) describes what the place is like.

Source: HelloMandarin · Revised edition, 2026 · PDF pp. 309–310.

Old_HSK_1-6_Grammar_Points_2.0.pdf

Old six-level teaching collection. This is an independent learning reference.

← Return to HSK 5 contents