请排队
qǐng páiduì
Please line up · trad. 請排隊
请排队 (qǐng páiduì) is a polite instruction used to ask people to form a line or queue up. It's commonly used for polite crowd control in public places like banks, hospitals, or ticket counters.
What does 请排队 (qǐng páiduì) mean?
请排队 (qǐng páiduì) means “please line up” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “please form a line.”
When to use it
Polite and standard. The “请” makes it a courteous request. In very informal or urgent situations, one might just say “排队!” (Line up!). For a group, you can add “大家” (dàjiā) to say “请大家排队.”
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “ching PIE-dway.” The first syllable is a third tone, and the second and third syllables are falling tones.
Other ways to say it
- 排队páiduìline up (more direct)
- 请大家排队qǐng dàjiā páiduìeveryone please line up
- 请依次排队qǐng yīcì páiduìplease line up in order
Examples
请排队，不要插队。
qǐng páiduì, búyào chāduì.
Please line up, don't cut in line.
顾客们，请排队等候。
gùkèmen, qǐng páiduì děnghòu.
Customers, please line up and wait.
请大家排队，保持社交距离。
qǐng dàjiā páiduì, bǎochí shèjiāo jùlí.
Everyone please line up and maintain social distance.
Pro tip: The word “请” (qǐng) is crucial for politeness; omitting it makes the phrase a direct command, which can sound less friendly in many situations.
Related phrases
排队的人很多 · There's a long line大概需要等三十分钟 · The wait is about 30 minutes叫到号请过来 · Please come when your number is called
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