Translation guide
The English word 'queue' has two main meanings: a line of people or things waiting, and a data structure in computing. This guide focuses on the first meaning, which is the most common for learners. Japanese has several words for 'line' or 'queue', and the best choice depends on context.
To refer to a line of people waiting for something, such as at a store, ticket counter, or bus stop.
The most general and common word for a line or queue of people or things. Can be used in most situations.
あの店の前に長い列ができている。
There's a long queue in front of that store.
列に並んでください。
Please wait in line.
Often implies a longer, more organized line, or a line that forms for a popular event. Slightly more formal than 列.
新作のスマホを買うために、朝から行列ができた。
A queue formed from the morning to buy the new smartphone.
Refers to the act of waiting for one's turn, often used in contexts like waiting lists or taking a number. Not a physical line necessarily.
レストランで順番待ちをしている。
I'm waiting in line (for a table) at the restaurant.
The verb 'to line up' or 'to queue'. Very common and natural.
チケットを買うために並んだ。
I queued to buy a ticket.
ここに並んでお待ちください。
Please line up here and wait.
To refer to a first-in-first-out (FIFO) data structure in programming.
The standard loanword for the data structure. Used in all technical contexts.
このプログラムではキューを使ってデータを管理します。
This program uses a queue to manage data.
A literal translation sometimes used in academic or older texts, but キュー is far more common.
列 is the general word for any line. 行列 often implies a longer, more formal, or event-related line. In daily conversation, 列 is usually sufficient.
レジに列ができている。
There's a line at the register.
人気ラーメン店の前に行列ができている。
There's a long queue in front of the popular ramen shop.
キュー is only used for the computing data structure or in very specific contexts like pool/billiards. Using it for a line of people will cause confusion.
切符売り場に長い列ができていた。
There was a long queue at the ticket counter.
私たちは2時間並ばなければならなかった。
We had to queue for two hours.
待ち行列理論
queuing theory