排列

pái liè

to arrange in order

HSK 4

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 排列 (pái liè) means 'to arrange in order' or 'to line up.' It is commonly used when organizing objects, people, or data in a specific sequence or pattern.

Common Contexts

  • Arranging physical objects like books, chairs, or athletes.
  • Sorting digital files or data automatically.
  • Describing the formation or order of people or things.

Collocations and Patterns

Usage Notes

排列 is more formal and specific than just (to arrange) because it emphasizes the order or sequence. It often appears in contexts where the order matters, such as sorting or lining up. Avoid confusing 排列 with 排队 (páiduì), which specifically means 'to queue' or 'stand in line.'

Example Sentences

请把这些书按照字母顺序排列。

Qǐng bǎ zhèxiē shū ànzhào zìmǔ shùnxù pái liè.

Please arrange these books in alphabetical order.

电脑可以自动排列文件,方便查找。

Diànnǎo kěyǐ zìdòng pái liè wénjiàn, fāngbiàn cházhǎo.

The computer can automatically arrange files for easy searching.

运动员们在赛场上排列成一排准备比赛。

Yùndòngyuán men zài sàichǎng shàng pái liè chéng yī pái zhǔnbèi bǐsài.

The athletes lined up on the field preparing for the competition.