permutation (i.e. ordered choice of n elements out of m)
HSK 5, v, rank #10420, Hard
páiliè(pai2lie4) T2
1array
2arrangement
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March 24, 2026
排列páiliè(pai2lie4)
排列 (pái liè) refers to the act of arranging or ordering items in a specific sequence. It is commonly used in contexts like organizing data, seating arrangements, or even scheduling activities. The nuance lies in the emphasis on the order of elements rather than just their grouping.
Frequency#10420DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 排列 can reflect the importance placed on order and harmony, particularly in traditional practices like Feng Shui, where the arrangement of space is believed to affect well-being.
Memory Tip
Imagine a parade (排) where all the floats (列) must line up in a specific order. Visualize each float as a different item that needs to be arranged perfectly to create a beautiful display, helping you remember the meaning of 排列 as 'arrangement'.
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AI Study Notes for 排列
Quick Contrast
排列 (páiliè) vs 组织 (zǔzhī): choose 排列 when emphasizing the order of items, while 组织 focuses more on the overall arrangement or structure.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a parade (排) where all the floats (列) must line up in a specific order. Visualize each float as a different item that needs to be arranged perfectly to create a beautiful display, helping you remember the meaning of 排列 as 'arrangement'.
Usage Notes
In formal contexts, 排列 is often used in mathematical or data analysis discussions, while in informal settings, it might refer to everyday organization tasks. A common mistake is confusing 排列 with 组合 (zǔ hé), which means combination; 排列 emphasizes order, while 组合 emphasizes selection without order.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 排列 connects with other terms related to organization and arrangement, such as 组织 (zǔ zhī, organize) and 安排 (ān pái, arrange). Focus on using it in sentences that describe processes or methods of ordering.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 排列 can reflect the importance placed on order and harmony, particularly in traditional practices like Feng Shui, where the arrangement of space is believed to affect well-being.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 排列 with similar words like 整理 (zhěng lǐ, to organize). For example, saying '我想整理这些书' (Wǒ xiǎng zhěng lǐ zhèxiē shū) when they mean to arrange them in a specific order should use 排列 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 排列
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Grammar Patterns of 排列
排列 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
她那擦得干干净净的架子上____着几百个果酱罐。
Hundreds of jam pots lined her scrubbed shelves.
Example Sentences for 排列 (6)
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1
她那擦得干干净净的架子上排列着几百个果酱罐。
tā nà cā dé gān gān jìng jìng de jià zǐ shàng pái liè zháo jī bǎi gè guǒ jiàng guàn。
Orderly arranged in the courtyard, uniform, four - lane street through eight of them.
Cultural Notes for 排列
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 排列 can reflect the importance placed on order and harmony, particularly in traditional practices like Feng Shui, where the arrangement of space is believed to affect well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions about 排列
排列 focuses on the order of items, while 组合 refers to selecting items without regard to their order.
Yes, but it's more commonly used in formal or academic discussions.
You can say '我们需要排列这些数据' (Wǒmen xūyào pái liè zhèxiē shùjù), meaning 'We need to arrange this data.'
