Understanding "到达" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 到达
• Pinyin: dào dá
• Literal Meaning: "到" means "to arrive," and "达" means "to reach." Together, they emphasize the completion of arriving at a destination.
• Primary Meaning: "To arrive (at a place)" or "to reach (a destination)."

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "到达" is commonly used to indicate arriving at a physical location, such as a city, building, or event. It is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Unlike "来" (to come) or "去" (to go), "到达" focuses on the completion of the journey.

• Often paired with time or place markers, e.g., "到达北京" (arrive in Beijing) or "准时到达" (arrive on time).

• Character Breakdown:

• 到 (dào): Means "to arrive" or "to go to."
• 达 (dá): Means "to reach" or "to achieve." Together, the characters reinforce the idea of successfully arriving at a destination.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我们明天早上八点到达机场。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen míngtiān zǎoshang bā diǎn dàodá jīchǎng.
   English: We will arrive at the airport at 8 a.m. tomorrow.

2. Chinese: 火车已经到达上海了。
   Pinyin: Huǒchē yǐjīng dàodá Shànghǎi le.
   English: The train has already arrived in Shanghai.

3. Chinese: 请告诉我你什么时候到达。
   Pinyin: Qǐng gàosù wǒ nǐ shénme shíhou dàodá.
   English: Please tell me when you will arrive.

Cultural Notes

• In Chinese culture, punctuality is highly valued, especially in professional settings. Using "到达" to confirm arrival times is common in business or travel contexts.
• When meeting someone, it’s polite to inform them of your expected arrival time using "到达," e.g., "我会准时到达" (I will arrive on time).

Conclusion

"到达" (dào dá) is a practical and versatile word meaning "to arrive" or "to reach." Remember its components—"到" (arrive) and "达" (reach)—to reinforce its meaning. Use it to talk about arriving at destinations, and pair it with time or place words for clarity. Happy learning!