马上就到
ma shang jiu dao
In Chinese, 'on my way' is expressed as 马上就到 (ma shang jiu dao).
The phrase 马上就到 is used to indicate that you are currently in the process of traveling and will arrive very shortly.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally breaks down to 马上 meaning 'immediately', 就 meaning 'then/soon' and 到 meaning 'arrive'.
How do you pronounce it?
ma shang jiu dao
Did you know?
- The word 马上 literally means 'on a horse'. In ancient China, the fastest way to travel was by horseback, so the phrase evolved to mean 'immediately'.
- In Chinese culture, saying 马上就到 can be a polite social lubricant even if you have not yet left your house. It is often used to avoid the awkwardness of admitting one is running late.
- While 'on my way' in English focuses on the journey, 马上就到 focuses almost entirely on the moment of arrival. The phrase emphasizes the imminent end of the trip rather than the travel itself.
Examples in context
- 别担心，我马上就到。Bié dānxīn, wǒ mǎshàng jiù dào.Don't worry, I am on my way.
- 已经在路上了，马上就到。Yǐjīng zài lùshàng le, mǎshàng jiù dào.Already on the road, arriving soon.
Example conversation
Yuting calls Junjie to let him know she is coming to their meeting.
- 雨婷 Yuting俊杰，你等很久了吗？Jùnjié, nǐ děng hěn jiǔ le ma?Junjie, have you been waiting long?
- 俊杰 Junjie没有，你现在在哪里？Méiyǒu, nǐ xiànzài zài nǎlǐ?No, where are you now?
- 雨婷 Yuting我马上就到。Wǒ mǎshàng jiù dào.I am on my way.
- 俊杰 Junjie好的，我在这里等你。Hǎo de, wǒ zài zhèlǐ děng nǐ.Okay, I will wait for you here.
