Level 4

늘어서다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '늘어서다' means to stand in a line or to form a queue. It is commonly used when people or objects are arranged one after another in an orderly fashion, especially in public places like bus stops, stores, or event entrances.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '늘어서다' in everyday situations involving waiting or organizing people, such as lining up for transportation, shopping, or exams.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '사람들이 늘어서 있다' (people are standing in line): describes a group forming a queue.
  • '가게 앞에 늘어서다' (line up in front of a store): used when people wait to enter or buy something.
  • '시험장 입구에 늘어서다' (line up at the exam hall entrance): common in formal or organized settings.

Register and Politeness

'늘어서다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a descriptive verb rather than an action verb commanding someone to line up.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '늘어서다' with '서다' (to stand) alone. Remember, '늘어서다' specifically implies standing in a line or row, not just standing anywhere.

Example Sentences

사람들이 버스 정류장에 늘어서 있다.

Saramdeuri beoseu jeongryujang-e neuleoseo itda.

People are standing in line at the bus stop.

새로 나온 게임을 사기 위해 사람들이 가게 앞에 늘어서 있었다.

Saero naon geim-eul sagi wihae saramdeuri gage ap-e neuleoseo isseotda.

People were lined up in front of the store to buy the newly released game.

시험장 입구에 학생들이 늘어서서 기다리고 있었다.

Siheomjang ipgu-e haksaengdeuri neuleoseoseo gidarigo isseotda.

Students were standing in line at the entrance of the exam hall waiting.