Meaning
Waiting for one's turn.
Cultural Background
Standing in line is often seen as a test of patience. It is common for people to complain loudly about the speed of service while waiting together. The 'coadă' was a defining feature of life. People would bring small folding chairs and books to wait for hours for basic necessities. In big cities like Bucharest, 'cozi' at trendy coffee shops or food festivals are seen as a sign of quality and status. Despite digitalization, many Romanians still prefer to 'stau la coadă' at physical counters to ensure their paperwork is handled correctly.
Ask the right question
If you aren't sure where the line ends, ask 'Cine este ultimul?' (Who is the last one?).
Don't cut in!
Cutting in line ('băgatul în față') is highly offensive in Romania and will lead to verbal confrontation.
Meaning
Waiting for one's turn.
Ask the right question
If you aren't sure where the line ends, ask 'Cine este ultimul?' (Who is the last one?).
Don't cut in!
Cutting in line ('băgatul în față') is highly offensive in Romania and will lead to verbal confrontation.
The 'Rând' alternative
If you want to sound more educated or polite, use 'a sta la rând'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'a sta'.
Noi ______ la coadă de o oră.
The subject is 'Noi' (we), so the correct conjugation is 'stăm'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural way to say you are waiting in line.
The preposition 'la' is the standard idiomatic choice.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Sunteți la rând? B: Nu, eu nu ______ la coadă.
The speaker 'B' is talking about themselves (I), so 'stau' is correct.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Where would you most likely hear 'E o coadă imensă!'?
Large crowds at events create 'cozi imense'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Queue Etiquette
Do
- • Ask 'Cine e ultimul?'
- • Wait your turn
- • Be patient
Don't
- • Cut in line
- • Push
- • Leave without asking
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNoi ______ la coadă de o oră.
The subject is 'Noi' (we), so the correct conjugation is 'stăm'.
Choose the natural way to say you are waiting in line.
The preposition 'la' is the standard idiomatic choice.
A: Sunteți la rând? B: Nu, eu nu ______ la coadă.
The speaker 'B' is talking about themselves (I), so 'stau' is correct.
Where would you most likely hear 'E o coadă imensă!'?
Large crowds at events create 'cozi imense'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it's a standard neutral phrase. However, 'a sta la rând' is slightly more formal.
Yes, but it's often used ironically or metaphorically in that context.
The plural is 'cozi'. You can say 'Sunt cozi mari peste tot' (There are big lines everywhere).
It's an idiomatic prepositional choice. Think of it as 'at the tail' rather than 'in the tail'.
In the phrase 'a sta la coadă', the article is omitted unless you are describing a specific, unique line.
Not a direct slang word for the phrase, but 'a se așeza la coadă' is a common alternative.
You can say 'Coada merge repede'.
Say 'Vă rog, îmi țineți rândul?' to the person behind you.
Related Phrases
A sta la rând
synonymTo wait in a row/turn
A face coadă
similarTo form a line
A se băga în față
contrastTo cut in line
Coadă de topor
specialized formA traitor/tool
