Looking up...
To stand in a line to purchase goods or services, often due to high demand or limited availability.
新款iPhone发售那天，大家都排队买东西。
On the day the new iPhone was released, everyone lined up to buy things.
春节期间，超市里排队买东西的人特别多。
During the Spring Festival, there are especially many people lining up to buy things in supermarkets.
Commonly used in everyday contexts, especially during sales, festivals, or when purchasing popular items.
In China, lining up to buy things is a common sight during major shopping events like Singles' Day (11.11) or when purchasing limited-edition products. It reflects both high consumer demand and the social practice of orderly waiting.
Use '排队买东西' when describing a situation where people are physically waiting in line to purchase goods, especially if the line is long or the items are in high demand.
The phrase combines '排队' (pái duì, 'to line up') and '买东西' (mǎi dōng xi, 'to buy things'). '排队' comes from '排' (to arrange) + '队' (line), while '买东西' is a common way to say 'to buy things' in Chinese.
This phrase is typically used in spoken Chinese and informal writing. It emphasizes the act of waiting in line, which is common in China during shopping festivals or for limited-edition items.