并列

• Pinyin: bìng liè
• Hanzi breakdown: 并 = two people standing together; 列 = 歹 (bone) + 刂 (knife), originally meaning to cut and arrange in rows

Meaning

To stand side by side; parallel; to rank equally; coordinate (in grammar).

Used both literally (things placed together) and abstractly (equal ranking or status). In grammar, refers to coordinate structures. Common in academic, ranking, and organizational contexts.

Examples

1. 在这次比赛中，两位选手并列第一，共享冠军。 In this competition, two contestants tied for first place and shared the championship.
2. 这篇文章使用了大量并列句，读起来节奏感很强。 This article uses many coordinate sentences, giving it a strong rhythmic feel.
3. 工作与生活应该并列考虑，而不是牺牲一方。 Work and life should be considered equally, not by sacrificing one for the other.

Usage Guide

Context: competitions, grammar, organization

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这两个项目并列为我们今年的重点工作。(These two projects are ranked equally as our priority work this year.)
• 他们在决赛中得分相同，并列获得金牌。(They scored the same in the final and shared the gold medal.)

Don't Say

• 请把书并列放好。(For physical arrangement, use 并排 — 并列 emphasizes equal status or coordination)

Origin & History

并 (together, side by side) + 列 (to arrange, row). Meaning to arrange items together in parallel.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal