en fila
/en fila/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "in line" is en fila.
en fila is used to describe the state of waiting in a queue of people, one behind the other.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition en (in) and the noun fila (line or row).
Which one should you use?
While en fila describes the state of being in a line, the verbal phrase hacer cola is frequently used to describe the action of queuing up. Additionally, the phrase hacer fila is a common way to express the act of forming a line or queuing up.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is very common to use the word cola instead of fila to refer to a queue of people, such as in the phrase en la cola.
How do you pronounce it?
/en fila/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, colarse is the verb used for 'cutting in line'. It derives from the word cola and describes the act of slipping through the queue.
- While cola means 'queue' in the context of waiting, its literal meaning in Spanish is 'tail'. When you are en la cola, you are figuratively standing in the tail of a line.
- The word fila was borrowed from the French word 'file'. This French term originally referred to a thread or a string of people.
Examples in context
- Los niños estaban en fila.The children were standing in line.This sentence shows how to describe children being in the state of en fila.Tatoeba #2268047 by cueyayotl, translation #2268046 by _undertoad
- Ellos esperaron en fila el bus.They waited in line for the bus.This sentence describes people waiting for the bus while en fila.Tatoeba #1287737 by marcelostockle, translation #307683 by CK
- Ponte en fila.Get in line.This sentence uses the phrase as an instruction to get in line.Tatoeba #9141636 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #1991810 by Spamster
- Por favor, espere haciendo cola.Please wait in line.
- El cliente debe esperar haciendo fila.The customer must wait in line.
- Estoy esperando en la cola para comprar los boletos.I'm waiting in line to buy the tickets.
- Vamos a ponernos en la fila para entrar al concierto.Let's get in line to enter the concert.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a ticket booth for a museum.
- ElenaEstamos en fila para las entradas.We are in line for the tickets.
- MateoParece que hay mucha gente.It looks like there are a lot of people.
- ElenaMateo, tú quédate en fila.Mateo, you stay in line.
- MateoEstá bien, yo espero aquí.Okay, I will wait here.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, fila, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
