Translation guide
The English phrase "line up" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: forming a queue, arranging things in a line, and organizing or scheduling something.
To stand in a line with other people, waiting for something.
The most common and natural way to say 'line up' or 'queue up' in Japanese. It's a general verb used for people forming a line.
A long line had formed in front of the popular ramen shop.
I lined up early in the morning to buy tickets.
Literally 'make a line'. Slightly more descriptive, often used when a line is forming spontaneously or when giving instructions.
Please form a line in front of the entrance and wait.
A more formal or written term for queuing. Often used in news or official contexts.
On the release day of the new product, many people lined up in front of the store.
To place objects or people in a straight row or line.
To plan or arrange for something to happen, such as a meeting, event, or task.
Means 'to arrange' or 'to make arrangements'. Commonly used for booking, scheduling, or organizing logistics.
I lined up a venue for the meeting.
He lined up an interview for me.
Means 'to prepare'. Can be used when 'line up' implies getting things ready or organized.
I lined up the necessary resources for the project.
Means 'to adjust' or 'to coordinate'. Used when 'line up' involves coordinating schedules or details.
It's tough to line up everyone's schedules.
並ぶ (narabu) is intransitive and means 'to be lined up' or 'to form a line' (things/people themselves). To say you line something up, use the transitive verb 並べる (naraberu).
並ぶ (intransitive): 人が並ぶ (people line up). 並べる (transitive): 人が本を並べる (a person lines up books).
Please line up the children in order of height.