In China, the act of 排队 is more than just a way to manage crowds; it's a visible symbol of social progress and 文明 (wénmíng) - civility. In past decades, particularly during times of resource scarcity, pushing and shoving to get ahead was more common. However, with rapid economic development and massive public education campaigns, orderly queuing is now heavily promoted and largely the norm in cities. You will see signs and hear announcements everywhere reminding people to “请排队 (qǐng páiduì)” - “Please queue.” Compared to Western cultures where queuing is often an unspoken, deeply ingrained social rule, in China it can feel like a more conscious, collective effort. It's an expression of modern, considerate, and harmonious social conduct. Refusing to queue, or 插队 (chāduì) - cutting in line, is considered extremely rude and a sign of poor character, often leading to public disapproval. Therefore, understanding and practicing 排队 is a key way to show respect for local social norms.
排队 is a high-frequency word used in countless daily situations. You will encounter it constantly.
The connotation is neutral; it simply describes the action. The verb is often used with phrases indicating the reason for queuing, such as 排队买票 (páiduì mǎi piào) - “to line up to buy tickets.”