Core Meaning
"到" primarily means "to arrive" or "to reach" a place or point in time. It is used to indicate the endpoint of a movement or action, whether physical (arriving at a location) or temporal (up to a certain time).
Usage in Sentences
It often appears after verbs of movement or transfer, such as "去" (go), "送" (deliver), or "跑" (run), to specify the destination. For example, "送到办公室" means "deliver to the office."
When used with time expressions, "到" marks the limit or deadline, as in "工作到很晚" (work until very late) or "会议开到下午三点" (meeting lasts until 3 p.m.).
Common Collocations
- 到 + place: indicates arrival at a location (e.g., 到北京)
- 工作到 + time: indicates working until a certain time
- 送到 + place: delivering something to a destination
Nuances and Tips
"到" emphasizes the arrival or reaching of a point, so it often contrasts with verbs like "离开" (leave) or "出发" (depart). It can also be used in commands or requests to specify where something should be taken.
Avoid confusing "到" with "在" which indicates location but not movement or arrival. "到" always implies movement or reaching a limit.
Summary
Use "到" to clearly express the idea of reaching a place or time limit. It is a versatile and very common word essential for everyday conversation about travel, delivery, schedules, and deadlines.