Meaning and Usage
"行列" (háng liè) literally means "rows and columns" or "formation." It is commonly used to describe people or objects arranged in orderly lines, such as queues, military formations, or parade lines.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "行列" when talking about waiting in line at popular places, describing soldiers lined up for inspection, or floats arranged in a parade. It emphasizes the organized, linear arrangement.
Collocations and Patterns
- 排行列 (pái hángliè): to form a line or queue, often used when people line up.
- 组成行列 (zǔchéng hángliè): to form a formation, used for groups or objects arranged systematically.
- 长长的行列 (chángcháng de hángliè): a long line, emphasizing the length of the queue or formation.
Nuances
"行列" carries a formal or descriptive tone, often used in written language or formal speech. It differs from simply saying "队伍" (duìwǔ), which can mean any group or team, by stressing the linear, orderly arrangement.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "行列" with "排列" (páiliè), which means "to arrange" or "to place in order." "行列" is a noun describing the formation itself, while "排列" is a verb describing the action of arranging.