到
dào/tɑʊ̯⁵¹/
The English word 'to' can be expressed in Chinese as 到 (dào), meaning 'in the direction of' or 'arriving at'.
到 is primarily used to indicate movement towards a destination, specifically expressing the successful arrival at that destination. It is important to note that while the English 'to' can express purpose (such as 'to see'), 到 is focused on direction or a result. To express purpose, you should use 为了.
Meaning: in the direction of, and arriving at (prep)
Which one should you use?
到 is used for direction and arrival, whereas 为了 is the correct term when you want to express 'in order to' or the purpose of an action.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When placed immediately after a verb, 到 acts as a resultative complement. In this position, it indicates that the action was successfully completed or achieved.
How do you pronounce it?
到 is pronounced /tɑʊ̯⁵¹/ (dào).
Did you know?
- While 到 indicates arrival, the similar-sounding word 道 means 'path' or 'the Way' and is the root of the philosophy known as Taoism.
- The character 到 contains the component 至, which originally depicted an arrow landing on the ground to symbolize arriving at a destination.
- In formal Chinese, 到 is often replaced by 至 in written addresses or official documents to denote the destination.
Examples in context
- 好想見到你。I really want to see you.This sentence shows how 到 is used with a verb to express the desire to see someone.Tatoeba #5544966 by sodajuice, translation #1887630 by CK
- 我得找到他。I have to find him.This sentence demonstrates using 到 as a resultative complement to indicate finding someone.Tatoeba #5632421 by verdastelo9604, translation #3918241 by CH
- 你能做到嗎？Would you be able to do it?This sentence uses 到 as a resultative complement to indicate the successful achievement of an action.Tatoeba #6853184 by verdastelo9604, translation #9162215 by CK
- 我们将前往北京参加会议。We will go to Beijing to attend the conference.
- 我要去超市买东西。I want to go to the supermarket to buy things.
- 走到To walk to
- 1163 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are talking about their arrival at a destination.
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，你到了嗎？Jiāyí, nǐ dào le ma?Jiayi, have you arrived?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我剛到餐廳。Wǒ gāng dào cāntīng.I just arrived at the restaurant.
- 志强 Zhiqiang好，我也快到了。Hǎo, wǒ yě kuài dào le.Okay, I am also arriving soon.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那我等你。Nà wǒ děng nǐ.Then I will wait for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “to” translations and entries 到, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 到, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
