Casual — to friend
Cultural · Dining
You
人気のお店は行列ができますが、並ぶ価値がありますよ。
にんきのおみせはぎょうれつができますが、ならぶかちがありますよ。
Popular restaurants often have long queues, but it's worth the wait.
Romaji: Ninki no o-mise wa gyōretsu ga dekimasu ga, narabu kachi ga arimasu yo. / Reply Romaji: Sō desu ka! Jā, narabi masho.
Reply
そうですか！じゃあ、並びましょう。
そうですか！じゃあ、ならびましょう。
Is that so? Then let's join the queue.
Gesture & etiquette
Queue calmly and quietly without complaining about the wait. Keep your spot in line and do not save places for others who haven't arrived — this causes tension. Many popular spots have entry ticketing systems — ask if unsure of the procedure.
Queue culture is deeply embedded in Japan — joining a line is orderly and patient, and jumping it is a serious breach of etiquette. At famous ramen shops or sweets stores, queues of 30-60 minutes are common and expected. Using a waitlist app or arriving early at opening time are common strategies.