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March 24, 2026
到达(到達)dàodá(dao4da2)
到达 (dàodá) means 'to reach' or 'to arrive,' commonly used to describe arriving at a destination, whether physically or metaphorically. It can refer to reaching a place, achieving a goal, or attaining a specific condition. This verb is versatile and often used in both formal and informal contexts.
Frequency#1450DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of arriving at a destination, whether in travel or life goals, is often linked to the importance of planning and preparation, reflecting a broader cultural value of diligence and hard work.
Memory Tip
Imagine a traveler (到) stepping out of a train (达) to reach their destination. The character 到 looks like a person walking to a point, while 达 can be imagined as a flag signaling 'you've arrived'!
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AI Study Notes for 到达
Quick Contrast
到 (dào) - use 到 when emphasizing the action of arriving at a point or destination, while 到达 implies a more complete or formal sense of reaching.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a traveler (到) stepping out of a train (达) to reach their destination. The character 到 looks like a person walking to a point, while 达 can be imagined as a flag signaling 'you've arrived'!
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 到达 with just 到, which simply means 'to arrive' without the nuance of reaching a goal. It's important to use 到达 in contexts that emphasize completion or achievement. Be mindful of using it in both written and spoken forms appropriately.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 到达 connects well with other directional and action verbs. Students should focus on its usage in various sentence structures, especially with locations and goals, and practice forming sentences that describe arrival.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of arriving at a destination, whether in travel or life goals, is often linked to the importance of planning and preparation, reflecting a broader cultural value of diligence and hard work.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 到达 in contexts where a more casual term like 到 would suffice, saying '我到达商店' (I arrive at the store) instead of '我到商店' (I arrive at the store). It's also common to forget the appropriate context for completion, using it too casually.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 到达
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Grammar Patterns of 到达
到达 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
kuài diǎn zǒu de hǎo chǔ zài yú， ， nǐ kě yǐ zǎo diǎn dào dá nà。
The advantage in going faster is that you get there quicker.
2
一到达埃尔金，一日游的游客就参观了一些当地的风景名胜。
yī dào dá āi ěr jīn， ， yī rì yóu de yóu kè jiù cān guān le yī xiē dāng dì de fēng jǐng míng。
Once at Elgin day-trippers visit a number of local sights.
3
那位要人到达时，俱乐部经理亲自陪他上楼。
nà wèi yào rén dào dá shí， ， jù lè bù jīng lǐ qīn zì péi tā shàng。
When the great man arrived, the club's manager personally escorted him upstairs.
4
开车往北仅1个小时就能到达亚特兰大。
kāi chē wǎng běi jǐn1 1 gè xiǎo shí jiù néng dào dá yà tè lán。
Atlanta was only an hour's drive to the north.
5
访问者到达你的办公室时, 你请他们过来好 吗 ?
fǎng wèn zhě dào dá nǐ de bàn gōng shì shí, , nǐ qǐng tā mén guò lái hǎo?
When the visitors arrive at your office, would you send them round?
6
马斯特斯用了约20个钟头才到达那所房子。
mǎ sī tè sī yòng le yuē20 20 gè zhōng tóu cái dào dá nà suǒ fáng。
It had taken Masters about twenty hours to reach the house.
7
上夜班的矿工应该早就安全地到达井下了。
shàng yè bān de kuàng gōng yīng gāi zǎo jiù ān quán dì dào dá jǐng xià le。
The night shift should have been safely down the mine long ago.
8
他们应该在4点半左右到达这里。
tā mén yīng gāi zài4 4 diǎn bàn zuǒ yòu dào dá zhè。
They are supposed to be here at about half four.
9
快到9点半的时候，他在一名警察的护送下到达了。
kuài dào9 9 diǎn bàn de shí， hòu ， tā zài yī míng jǐng chá de hù sòng xià dào。
He arrived with a police escort shortly before half past nine.
10
到8点时，他已经到达我住的宾馆了。
dào8 8 diǎn， shí ， tā yǐ jīng dào dá wǒ zhù de bīn。
By eight o'clock he had arrived at my hotel.
Cultural Notes for 到达
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of arriving at a destination, whether in travel or life goals, is often linked to the importance of planning and preparation, reflecting a broader cultural value of diligence and hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions about 到达
Yes, 到达 can also be used metaphorically to refer to achieving emotional states or personal goals.
Not always; 到达 implies reaching a goal or destination, while 到 simply means 'to arrive'.
Common phrases include '到达目的地' (reach the destination) and '到达时间' (arrival time).
