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A2 noun 12 min read

靠过道

kàoguòdào
Examples 靠过道 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 靠过道 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners should focus on the basic phrase '靠过道' (kào guòdào) as a way to express a simple preference. You don't need to know complex grammar yet. Just remember that '靠' means 'near' and '过道' means 'aisle.' In a travel situation, you can simply say '我要靠过道' (Wǒ yào kào guòdào - I want the aisle) or '靠过道，谢谢' (Kào guòdào, xièxiè - Aisle, thanks). This is enough to communicate your needs at a ticket counter. You should also recognize its opposite, '靠窗' (kàochuāng - window seat), so you can understand when a clerk asks you which one you prefer. Practice saying these two words together to hear the difference in tones. 'Kào' is a fourth tone (falling), and 'guò' is also a fourth tone. 'Dào' is also a fourth tone! It's a very 'falling' phrase: Kào-Guò-Dào. This makes it sound very firm and clear. At this level, you can also use '个' (gè) as a general measure word: '一个靠过道' (one aisle seat).
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At the A2 level, you should be able to incorporate '靠过道' into full sentences and use it with the word for seat, '座位' (zuòwèi). You should be able to handle a basic dialogue at an airport check-in counter. For example, '请问，还有靠过道的座位吗？' (Excuse me, are there still aisle seats?). You should also understand the use of '的' (de) to connect the description to the noun: '靠过道的座位'. At this stage, you are learning to navigate travel apps, so you should be able to recognize these characters on a screen. You might also start to see the word '过道' in other contexts, like a hallway in a hotel, which helps reinforce the meaning. You should also be comfortable with the structure 'A 还是 B' (A or B), as in '您要靠窗还是靠过道？' (Do you want window or aisle?). Being able to answer this question correctly is a key milestone for A2 learners in practical Chinese.
At the B1 level, you can use '靠过道' to explain *why* you have a certain preference. You might say, '我喜欢坐靠过道，因为这样去洗手间比较方便。' (I like sitting in the aisle because it's more convenient to go to the bathroom.) This level involves more complex reasoning and the use of conjunctions like '因为...所以...' (because... therefore...). You should also be aware of synonyms like '走廊位' (zǒuláng wèi) and understand that they mean the same thing in different regions. You can also use the term to describe office environments or theater seating. For example, '我的办公桌靠过道，所以很多人经过。' (My desk is by the aisle, so many people pass by.) At B1, you are expected to handle slightly more complicated situations, such as asking to swap seats with someone on a plane: '打扰一下，我可以跟您换个位子吗？我想要靠过道的。' (Excuse me, can I swap seats with you? I want the aisle one.)
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At the B2 level, your use of '靠过道' should be very natural and integrated into broader discussions about travel comfort, logistics, and etiquette. You should understand the nuances between '过道' (aisle), '通道' (passage), and '走廊' (corridor). You might discuss the pros and cons of different seat types in a blog post or a long conversation. For instance, you could argue that while '靠过道' offers more legroom, it also means you are more likely to be bumped by the beverage cart or other passengers. You should be able to use the term in passive constructions or more formal contexts, such as '靠过道的座位通常比较早被选光。' (Aisle seats are usually the first to be chosen.) You should also be familiar with how this term appears in legal or safety contexts, such as '请不要把行李放在过道上。' (Please do not put luggage in the aisle.)
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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the linguistic components of '靠过道'. You can analyze how '靠' functions as a coverb in this construction. You should be able to recognize the term in literature or high-level journalism where it might be used metaphorically or as part of a detailed description of a scene. You should also be aware of the historical evolution of travel terminology in China—how the terms changed as the country moved from old green-skinned trains (绿皮车) to modern high-speed rail. You should be able to use the term in professional settings, such as designing a layout for a public space or discussing urban planning (e.g., '过道的设计必须符合消防安全标准' - The design of the passageway must meet fire safety standards). Your vocabulary should also include technical terms like '紧急出口排' (emergency exit row) which often feature aisle access.
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At the C2 level, '靠过道' is a trivial term, but your mastery should extend to its most subtle uses and regional variations. You should be able to navigate any dialectal shift, such as the specific jargon used by flight crews (e.g., 'C座' instead of the full phrase). You can engage in complex debates about the psychology of seat selection or the economics of airline seating charts. You should be able to write formal reports or creative pieces where '靠过道' is used to set a specific mood—perhaps the loneliness of a frequent business traveler always choosing the aisle for a quick escape. Your understanding of the word is now part of a near-native cultural and linguistic intuition, allowing you to use it with perfect tone, rhythm, and context, regardless of the complexity of the situation.
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Examples

靠过道 in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to an aisle seat in travel or theater contexts.
  • Literally means 'leaning against/near the aisle'.
  • Essential for booking flights and high-speed trains in China.
  • Opposite of '靠窗' (window seat) and '中间' (middle seat).
The Chinese term 靠过道 (kào guòdào) is a vital noun phrase for anyone navigating the world of modern transportation in a Chinese-speaking environment. Literally translated, '靠' (kào) means 'to lean against' or 'to be near,' and '过道' (guòdào) refers to an aisle or a passageway. When combined, they describe the specific location of a seat—the aisle seat. This term is most frequently encountered in the contexts of aviation, high-speed rail travel, and occasionally in large theaters or stadiums. Understanding this word is the difference between a comfortable journey where you can stretch your legs and a cramped one where you are trapped between other passengers. In the Chinese travel industry, choosing a seat is a standard part of the booking process, whether you are using an app like Trip.com (Ctrip) or speaking directly to a counter agent. The phrase is often used as a shorthand; while the full term is 靠过道的座位 (kào guòdào de zuòwèi), most native speakers and service staff will simply say 靠过道 to save time and increase efficiency.
Literal Meaning
Adjacent to the aisle or passageway.
Functional Use
Specifying seat preference during flight or train check-ins.
For many travelers, the 靠过道 seat is the 'strategic choice.' It offers the freedom to stand up, use the restroom, or retrieve items from the overhead bin without disturbing neighbors. In China's massive high-speed rail network (G-series trains), the seat layout usually follows an A-B-C aisle D-F pattern in second class, where 'C' and 'D' are the 靠过道 seats. If you are a solo traveler who values mobility, this is the term you need to master.

麻烦给我一个靠过道的位子。(Máfan gěi wǒ yīgè kào guòdào de wèizi.) — Please give me an aisle seat.

Beyond just the physical location, the term carries a sense of autonomy. In a culture that values efficiency and 'not bothering others' (不麻烦别人), having an aisle seat allows a person to manage their own needs independently. When you are at the airport check-in counter, the agent will often ask: '您要靠窗还是靠过道？' (Nín yào kàochuāng háishì kào guòdào? - Do you want a window or an aisle?). Knowing this term allows you to respond confidently.
Antonym
靠窗 (kàochuāng) - Window seat

我不喜欢坐在中间，我想要靠过道。(Wǒ bù xǐhuān zuò zài zhōngjiān, wǒ xiǎng yào kào guòdào.) — I don't like sitting in the middle; I want the aisle.

这个航班还有靠过道的票吗？(Zhège hángbān hái yǒu kào guòdào de piào ma?) — Are there still aisle seat tickets for this flight?

Using 靠过道 effectively requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a standalone noun phrase and an attributive modifier. Most commonly, it precedes the noun '座位' (zuòwèi - seat) or '位子' (wèizi - seat). For example, '靠过道的座位' (kào guòdào de zuòwèi) is the grammatically complete way to say 'the aisle seat.' However, in spoken Mandarin, the '的座位' is frequently omitted if the context of seating is already established. If you are standing at a train station ticket window, simply saying '我要靠过道' is perfectly natural and idiomatic.
Structure 1
[Verb] + 靠过道 + (的座位) — e.g., 选靠过道的座位 (Choose an aisle seat).
Another common usage involves the verb '换' (huàn - to change/swap). If you find yourself in a middle seat and wish to move, you might ask a flight attendant: '请问可以帮我换到靠过道的位置吗？' (Qǐngwèn kěyǐ bāng wǒ huàn dào kào guòdào de wèizhi ma? - Could you help me change to an aisle position?). Here, '位置' (wèizhi) is used as a synonym for seat.

我的票是靠过道的，你的呢？(Wǒ de piào shì kào guòdào de, nǐ de ne?) — My ticket is for the aisle, what about yours?

In the context of the Chinese High-Speed Rail (HSR), seat letters are fixed. For instance, in a 5-seat row (A, B, C, D, F), C and D are always '靠过道.' You might hear a passenger say, '我是12D，也是靠过道的。' (Wǒ shì 12D, yěshì kào guòdào de. - I am 12D, which is also an aisle seat.)
Structure 2
[Noun/Pronoun] + 是 + 靠过道 (的) — e.g., 这张票是靠过道的 (This ticket is for the aisle).
It is also useful in negative constructions. For example, if you have a fear of heights or claustrophobia and specifically do *not* want a window seat, you would emphasize: '我一定要靠过道，不要靠窗。' (Wǒ yīdìng yào kào guòdào, bùyào kàochuāng. - I definitely want the aisle, don't want the window.)

长途旅行时，我通常选择靠过道。(Chángtú lǚxíng shí, wǒ tōngcháng xuǎnzé kào guòdào.) — During long-distance travel, I usually choose the aisle.

In more formal writing or on digital interfaces, you might see '过道位' (guòdào wèi) or '走道位' (zǒudào wèi). However, '靠过道' remains the most versatile and commonly spoken form. When booking on an app, you will often see a seat map where the aisle seats are labeled or can be selected by clicking. Knowing the characters allows you to navigate these apps without needing the English interface.

对不起，我的座位是靠过道的，请让一下。(Duìbuqǐ, wǒ de zuòwèi shì kào guòdào de, qǐng ràng yīxià.) — Sorry, my seat is the aisle one, please let me through.

Structure 3
[Verb Phrase] + 靠过道 — e.g., 喜欢坐靠过道 (Like to sit by the aisle).
Using this phrase correctly demonstrates a high level of practical fluency, as it shows you are familiar with the specific vocabulary used in Chinese service industries.
The primary environment where you will hear 靠过道 is at transportation hubs. If you are at a major Chinese airport like Beijing Capital (PEK) or Shanghai Pudong (PVG), the check-in agents are trained to offer seat choices to passengers. They will frequently ask, '您想坐靠窗还是靠过道？' In this fast-paced environment, being able to recognize '靠过道' instantly is crucial. You will also hear it on the plane itself. If a passenger is sitting in the wrong spot, or if you need to access your aisle seat, the word will come up in polite conversation. For instance, '请问您是靠过道的吗？' (Excuse me, are you [the one in] the aisle seat?).
Airport Scenario
At the check-in counter: '还有靠过道的座位吗？' (Are there still aisle seats available?)
Another major setting is the China Railway High-speed (CRH) stations. With the massive popularity of the 'G' and 'D' trains, millions of people book seats daily. While many people book online, those who use the ticket windows often specify their preference. You might hear someone in the queue say, '两张去上海的票，都要靠过道。' (Two tickets to Shanghai, both need to be aisle seats).

广播：各位旅客，请对照您的票根，确认您的座位是靠窗还是靠过道。(Announcement: Passengers, please check your ticket stubs to confirm if your seat is window or aisle.)

In social settings, friends might discuss their travel preferences. One might say, '我不喜欢靠窗，因为上厕所不方便，我更喜欢靠过道。' (I don't like the window because going to the toilet is inconvenient; I prefer the aisle.) This highlights the practical reasoning behind the choice. You might also encounter this word in cinematic or theatrical contexts. In older, traditional theaters, seating might not be as strictly categorized, but in modern IMAX cinemas in cities like Shenzhen or Chengdu, the seating chart on the ticketing app (like Maoyan or Taopiaopiao) will clearly show the aisles. While people usually want the 'middle' (中间) for the best view, some prefer the '靠过道' for a quick exit after the credits roll.
Cinema Scenario
Choosing a seat on an app: '选一个靠过道的，出入方便。' (Choose an aisle one, it's easier to get in and out.)

空乘人员：您的座位在前面，左手边靠过道。(Flight attendant: Your seat is up ahead, on the left by the aisle.)

Finally, in the context of office layouts, '靠过道' can describe a desk location. An employee might complain, '我的位子靠过道，太吵了。' (My seat is by the aisle/passageway, it's too noisy.) This shows the term's versatility beyond just travel.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 靠过道 is confusing it with its counterpart, 靠窗 (kàochuāng). Because both phrases start with '靠' (kào), students often mix them up during the pressure of a real-life transaction. It's helpful to remember that '窗' (chuāng) looks like a window with a frame, while '过道' (guòdào) contains the character '道' (dào), which means path or road—logical for an aisle.
Mistake 1
Using '过道' alone: Saying '我要过道' (I want aisle) instead of '我要靠过道' (I want [to be] by the aisle). While people might understand, it sounds incomplete.
Another mistake is the incorrect use of measure words. Since '靠过道' is often describing a seat (座位 - zuòwèi), you should use the measure word '个' (gè) or the more formal '位' (wèi). Avoid using measure words for long things like '条' (tiáo) just because an aisle is long. It is the *seat* you are referring to.

Incorrect: 我买了一条靠过道。 (I bought a long aisle.)
Correct: 我买了一个靠过道的座位。 (I bought an aisle seat.)

Some learners also struggle with the word order when adding adjectives. If you want a *comfortable* aisle seat, the adjective usually comes before '靠过道'. For example, '一个舒服的靠过道的座位.'
Mistake 2
Confusion with '走廊' (zǒuláng). While '走廊' also means corridor or hallway, in the specific context of planes and trains, '过道' is the standard term. Using '靠走廊' sounds a bit like you are sitting in a building hallway.
Finally, avoid over-using the term in contexts where it doesn't apply. You wouldn't use '靠过道' for a seat in a small car or a taxi, as those don't have '过道' (aisles). For a car, you would just say '坐后面' (sit in the back) or '坐副驾驶' (sit in the passenger seat).

Incorrect: 出租车里，我想坐靠过道。 (In the taxi, I want to sit by the aisle.)
Correct: 出租车里，我想坐右边。 (In the taxi, I want to sit on the right.)

Mistake 3
Forgetting the '的' (de). When modifying '座位', the '的' is often necessary for clarity: '靠过道的座位'. Omission is only for very casual speech.
While 靠过道 is the standard term, there are several related words you should know to broaden your vocabulary and understand different regional or formal contexts. The most obvious alternative is 走廊位 (zǒuláng wèi). This is particularly common in Southern China and Hong Kong. It uses '走廊' (corridor) instead of '过道'. While '过道' is more common for planes/trains, '走廊' is more common for buildings, but in the context of seats, they are interchangeable.
Comparison: 靠过道 vs. 走廊位
'靠过道' is standard Mandarin (Putonghua); '走廊位' is more common in Cantonese-influenced Mandarin or informal Southern speech.
Another term is 通道位 (tōngdào wèi). '通道' means passage or thoroughfare. You might see this on formal booking websites or in airline seat maps. It is slightly more technical than the conversational '靠过道.'

这个通道位的空间很大。(This passage seat has a lot of space.)

If you are looking for the opposite, you have 靠窗 (kàochuāng - window seat). There is also the dreaded 中间位 (zhōngjiān wèi - middle seat). In Chinese social media, the middle seat is sometimes jokingly called the '夹心饼干' (jiāxīn bǐnggān - sandwich cookie) position because you are squeezed between two people.
Comparison: 靠过道 vs. 中间位
'靠过道' offers mobility; '中间位' is generally considered the least desirable due to lack of space and views.
In very formal airline terminology, you might encounter 外侧座位 (wàicè zuòwèi - outer side seat). This is usually used in safety briefings or official documents. When discussing high-speed trains specifically, you might hear people refer to seats by their letters (C or D). '我要一个C座' (I want a C seat) is effectively the same as saying '我要一个靠过道的座位'.

在高铁上，C座和D座都是靠过道的。(On high-speed rail, seats C and D are both aisle seats.)

Summary Table
靠过道: Standard/Conversational
走廊位: Regional/Informal
通道位: Technical/Formal
外侧: Safety/Official
Understanding these nuances helps you navigate different levels of formality and regional dialects in the Chinese-speaking world.
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Examples by Level

1

我要靠过道。

I want the aisle.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object.

2

靠过道，谢谢。

Aisle, thank you.

Short polite request.

3

这个是靠过道吗？

Is this the aisle seat?

Basic question structure.

4

我不喜欢靠窗，我要靠过道。

I don't like the window, I want the aisle.

Contrast using '不喜欢'.

5

请给我靠过道。

Please give me the aisle.

Polite imperative with '请'.

6

靠过道好吗？

Is the aisle seat okay?

Tag question with '好吗'.

7

他是靠过道的座位。

His is the aisle seat.

Using '的' as a possessive/attributive.

8

你要靠窗还是靠过道？

Do you want window or aisle?

Alternative question with '还是'.

1

请问还有靠过道的位子吗？

Excuse me, are there still aisle seats?

Using '位子' as a synonym for seat.

2

我想要一个靠过道的票。

I would like a ticket for an aisle seat.

Using '票' (ticket) metonymically.

3

靠过道的座位很方便。

Aisle seats are very convenient.

Adjective '方便' (convenient) describing the noun phrase.

4

我的朋友坐在靠过道。

My friend is sitting in the aisle seat.

Stative verb '坐' (sit).

5

这个航班没有靠过道的座位了。

This flight has no aisle seats left.

Negative '没有...了' indicating a change in state.

6

你可以坐靠过道吗？

Can you sit in the aisle seat?

Modal verb '可以' (can).

7

我选了靠过道的座位。

I chose the aisle seat.

Past action with '了'.

8

靠过道的人要先站起来。

The person in the aisle seat needs to stand up first.

Noun phrase as the subject.

1

因为我常去洗手间，所以我选了靠过道。

Because I go to the bathroom often, I chose the aisle.

Causal conjunction '因为...所以...'.

2

如果您不介意，我想换到靠过道的位置。

If you don't mind, I'd like to change to the aisle position.

Conditional '如果...的话' (implied).

3

靠过道的座位虽然没有风景，但是很自由。

Although aisle seats have no view, they offer freedom.

Concessive '虽然...但是...'.

4

在长途飞行中，靠过道是我的首选。

On long-haul flights, the aisle is my first choice.

Abstract noun '首选' (first choice).

5

他总是帮我预订靠过道的座位。

He always helps me book aisle seats.

Frequency adverb '总是'.

6

靠过道的旅客请注意，餐车过来了。

Aisle passengers please note, the food cart is coming.

Direct address in an announcement.

7

我觉得靠过道的空间比中间大一点。

I feel the aisle seat space is a bit larger than the middle.

Comparison with '比'.

8

这张票是靠窗的，能换成靠过道的吗？

This ticket is for a window seat; can it be changed to an aisle one?

Resultative verb '换成' (change into).

1

为了方便活动，许多商务人士倾向于选择靠过道。

To facilitate movement, many business people tend to choose the aisle.

Purpose clause with '为了'.

2

靠过道的座位虽然方便，但也容易被路过的人打扰。

While aisle seats are convenient, they are also easily disturbed by passersby.

Passive voice with '被'.

3

在线选座时，我发现靠过道的座位已经不多了。

When selecting seats online, I found that there weren't many aisle seats left.

Time phrase with '...时'.

4

无论是在飞机还是高铁上，我都习惯坐靠过道。

Whether on a plane or high-speed rail, I am used to sitting in the aisle.

Conjunction '无论...都...'.

5

乘务员提醒靠过道的乘客收回双脚，以免被撞到。

The attendant reminded aisle passengers to retract their feet to avoid being hit.

Conjunction '以免' (to avoid).

6

考虑到腿部空间，靠过道的座位确实更有优势。

Considering legroom, aisle seats certainly have an advantage.

Participial phrase '考虑到' (considering).

7

他宁愿坐靠过道也不愿意坐在两个陌生人中间。

He would rather sit in the aisle than between two strangers.

Preference '宁愿...也不愿意...'.

8

由于靠过道的座位需求量大，建议提前预订。

Due to high demand for aisle seats, it is recommended to book in advance.

Reason '由于' (due to).

1

鉴于您的身体状况，安排靠过道的座位会更稳妥一些。

Given your physical condition, arranging an aisle seat would be more prudent.

Formal preposition '鉴于' (given that).

2

靠过道的座位在紧急疏散时具有显著的逃生优势。

Aisle seats have a significant escape advantage during emergency evacuations.

Technical vocabulary '疏散' and '逃生'.

3

尽管靠窗位有美景，但资深旅客往往更青睐靠过道。

Despite the views from window seats, veteran travelers often favor the aisle.

Formal verb '青睐' (to favor).

4

靠过道的空间虽然开阔，但也意味着缺乏私密性。

Although the aisle space is open, it also means a lack of privacy.

Abstract noun '私密性' (privacy).

5

在值机柜台，他坚持要求将座位调整为靠过道。

At the check-in counter, he insisted on adjusting his seat to the aisle.

Verb '调整' (adjust) with '为' (as).

6

靠过道的便利性是牺牲了侧向支撑力为代价的。

The convenience of the aisle seat comes at the cost of side support.

Structure '以...为代价' (at the cost of).

7

他习惯性地避开中间位，直接锁定靠过道的名额。

He habitually avoids the middle seat and directly secures an aisle spot.

Adverb '习惯性地' (habitually).

8

空乘人员在过道穿梭，偶尔会碰到靠过道乘客的肩膀。

Attendants shuttle through the aisle, occasionally bumping the shoulders of aisle passengers.

Descriptive verb '穿梭' (to shuttle).

1

这种机型的靠过道设计充分考虑了人体工程学，减少了通行阻碍。

The aisle seat design of this aircraft model fully considers ergonomics, reducing passage obstructions.

Advanced technical jargon.

2

靠过道的座位选择往往反映了旅客对空间掌控权的潜意识追求。

The choice of an aisle seat often reflects a passenger's subconscious pursuit of spatial control.

Psychological/Philosophical tone.

3

在某些廉价航空的策略中，靠过道的座位甚至被列为加价项目。

In the strategies of some low-cost airlines, aisle seats are even listed as surcharged items.

Business/Economic terminology.

4

他对于靠过道的执念源于一次在长途大巴上被困中间位的惨痛经历。

His obsession with aisle seats stems from a painful experience of being trapped in a middle seat on a long-distance bus.

Complex noun phrase '对...的执念' (obsession with).

5

靠过道的乘客在享受出入自由的同时，也承担了协助他人出入的隐形义务。

While enjoying the freedom of movement, aisle passengers also bear the invisible obligation of assisting others in getting out.

Parallel structure '在...的同时，也...'.

6

这种布局使得每个靠过道的座位都能直通主通道，极大提升了客舱效率。

This layout ensures every aisle seat has direct access to the main corridor, greatly enhancing cabin efficiency.

Causative structure '使得...提升了...'.

7

即便是在头等舱，靠过道的座位依然因其卓越的便捷性而备受推崇。

Even in first class, aisle seats are still highly regarded for their exceptional convenience.

Concessive '即便...依然...'.

8

靠过道不仅是一个地理位置，更是现代旅行中一种效率至上的符号。

The aisle seat is not just a geographic location, but a symbol of efficiency-first in modern travel.

Metaphorical '不仅是...更是...'.

Common Collocations

预订靠过道
选择靠过道
换到靠过道
坐在靠过道
没有靠过道
想要靠过道
喜欢靠过道
确认靠过道
靠近过道
申请靠过道

Common Phrases

靠过道的位子

— The aisle seat. A common spoken variation.

我要靠过道的位子。

靠窗还是靠过道

— Window or aisle. The standard question at check-in.

您要靠窗还是靠过道？

靠过道的票

— A ticket for an aisle seat.

还有靠过道的票吗？

靠过道的一侧

— The aisle side.

请把包放在靠过道的一侧。

靠过道的乘客

— Passengers in aisle seats.

靠过道的乘客请注意。

选靠过道

— To choose the aisle.

在线选座我选靠过道。

换个靠过道的

— Swap for an aisle one.

能帮我换个靠过道的吗？

非靠过道

— Not an aisle seat.

我不想要非靠过道的座位。

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