Inklingo

How to Say "packed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

repleto

/reh-PLEH-toh//reˈpleto/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'repleto' when a physical space or container is literally full to the brim with people or things.
A glass jar filled to the very top with colorful round candies, with a few candies resting on the rim.

Examples

El tren estaba repleto de pasajeros durante la hora punta.

The train was packed with passengers during rush hour.

El centro comercial está repleto de gente por las rebajas.

The shopping mall is packed with people because of the sales.

Tengo el buzón repleto de correos sin leer.

I have my inbox stuffed with unread emails.

Sus ojos estaban repletos de lágrimas de alegría.

Her eyes were full of tears of joy.

The 'De' Connection

When you want to say what something is full of, always use the word 'de' (of) immediately after 'repleto'.

Matching the Subject

Because it's an adjective, the ending must change to match the gender and number: repleto (masculine), repleta (feminine), repletos (plural masculine), repletas (plural feminine).

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake:El vaso es repleto.

Correction: El vaso está repleto. Use 'estar' because being full is a state or condition, not a permanent identity.

tope

/toh-peh//ˈto.pe/

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'a tope' idiomatically to describe a situation, often work or a schedule, that is completely full or at maximum capacity.
A colorful storybook illustration of a small room filled with many happy people standing close together.

Examples

Esta semana estoy a tope de trabajo, no tengo tiempo para nada.

This week I'm packed with work, I don't have time for anything.

Esta semana estoy a tope de trabajo.

I'm swamped with work this week (at 100% capacity).

El concierto estaba a tope.

The concert was packed.

¡Vamos a tope!

Let's go all out!

The 'A' connection

When used to mean 'full' or 'busy,' it's almost always used in the phrase 'a tope'.

Literal vs. Figurative 'Packed'

Learners often confuse 'repleto' and 'a tope' by using 'repleto' for busy schedules. Remember, 'repleto' describes physical fullness, while 'a tope' is an informal idiom for being extremely busy or at maximum capacity.

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