列に並ぶ
retsu ni narabu
The English phrase "waiting in line" is translated into Japanese as 列に並ぶ (retsu ni narabu).
列に並ぶ is used when standing in a queue of people to wait for a turn. You can also use the verb 並ぶ on its own to mean "to line up" or "to stand in a row" without explicitly mentioning the word for line.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of retsu (line/queue), the particle ni (indicating the target or location) and narabu (to line up/stand in a row).
Which one should you use?
While retsu refers to a line, using 行列に並ぶ is very common when describing long queues specifically at popular restaurants or events, as gyōretsu is a longer, more formal word for a queue.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of being in the middle of waiting in line right now, use the ~te imasu form: 列に並んでいます.
How do you pronounce it?
retsu ni narabu
When do people say it?
If you are waiting and wish to politely inquire about a wait, you can say そろそろでしょうか, which means "Is it almost time?"
Did you know?
- The word for a long queue, 行列 (gyōretsu), is also the same word used for a mathematical 'matrix' in Japanese.
- If you want to join a line in a very polite or formal setting, you can use the humble phrase 列に並ばせていただきます (retsu ni narabasete itadakimasu), which translates to 'I will receive the favor of being allowed to line up'.
- The term 行列店 (gyōretsu-ten) refers to a restaurant that is famous specifically for having a long line, where the queue itself serves as a guarantee of quality.
Examples in context
- チケットを買うために列に並ぶ。Chiketto o kau tame ni retsu ni narabu.I am waiting in line to buy tickets.
- 行列ができるので、列に並ぶ。Gyōretsu ga dekiru node, retsu ni narabu.A line is forming, so I will wait in line.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are at a popular ramen shop.
- 蓮 Renすごく人が多いね。Sugoku hito ga ooi ne.There are so many people.
- 陽葵 Himari列に並ぶのは大変そうだよ。Retsu ni narabu no wa taihen sō da yo.It looks like waiting in line will be tough.
- 蓮 Renでも、このラーメンは美味しいよ。Demo, kono rāmen wa oishii yo.But this ramen is delicious.
- 陽葵 Himariわかった、並んで待とう。Wakatta, narande matou.Okay, let's wait in line.
