1.
arrangement; layout; sequence
The way items are arranged or ordered in a particular pattern or sequence. Used for physical arrangements and abstract orderings.
キーボードの配列に慣れない。
I can't get used to the keyboard layout.
座席の配列を変えて、グループ活動がしやすいようにした。
I changed the seating arrangement to make group activities easier.
五十音の配列順に並べる。
Arrange them in the order of the Japanese syllabary.
2.
array (computing/science)
A data structure consisting of a collection of elements arranged in order, each identified by an index. Also used in biology for sequences of amino acids or nucleotides.
配列の要素にアクセスする。
Access the elements of an array.
DNAの塩基配列を解析する。
Analyze the DNA base sequence.
データを配列に格納してから処理する。
Store the data in an array and then process it.
A compound of 配 (to distribute, to arrange) and 列 (row, line). Functions as both a noun and a suru-verb.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 配列する (to arrange, to sequence)
- キーボード配列 (keyboard layout)
- 座席配列 (seating arrangement)
- 塩基配列 (base sequence — in genetics)
- 配列の要素 (array element — in computing)
- アミノ酸配列 (amino acid sequence)
In everyday use, sense 1 is more common (keyboard layout, seating arrangement). In technical contexts, sense 2 is standard terminology in both computing and molecular biology.