整列

せいれつ

stand in a row, form a line

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word "整列" (せいれつ) means to stand or arrange in a neat row or line. It is often used in formal or organized settings where people or objects are lined up orderly.

Common Contexts

You will frequently hear "整列" in schools, stations, or events where orderly lining up is required. For example, children lining up before class, passengers lining up on a platform, or participants lining up before a ceremony.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 整列する: to line up or stand in a row.
  • 整列乗車: orderly boarding by lining up.
  • 整列して待つ: to wait while lined up.

These phrases emphasize the importance of order and discipline.

Register and Nuance

"整列" is a formal term and often used in announcements, instructions, or official contexts. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler words like "並ぶ" (ならぶ) might be used.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "整列" with just "並ぶ" which also means to line up but is more general and less formal. Use "整列" when emphasizing neat, organized lining up, especially in formal or group settings.

Example Sentences

こどもたちはせんせいのしじでせいれつした。

The children lined up on the teacher's instructions.

えきのほーむでせいれつじょうしゃをおねがいします。

Please line up to board on the station platform.

せいれつしてからしゅっぱつのじゅんびをはじめた。

We started preparing to depart after lining up.