在 vs 到

Mandarin distinguishes zài 在 and dào 到 by whether you emphasize location, arrival, or a goal, so choosing one affects meaning and naturalness.

在

Zài 在 marks a location where an action happens or a state persists, and it can introduce time or place when setting a scene.

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Dào 到 focuses on arrival or reaching a destination, and it can signal completing a movement or achieving a goal.

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Hanzi	Pinyin	English	Note
🏠 我现在在家。	Wǒ xiànzài zài jiā.	I am at home now.	Location with 在
🏢 他在公司工作。	Tā zài gōngsī gōngzuò.	He works at the company.	Workplace location
🚗 我们在路上堵车了。	Wǒmen zài lùshàng dǔchē le.	We are stuck in traffic on the road.	Location on the road
🏫 孩子们在学校玩。	Háizimen zài xuéxiào wán.	The children are playing at school.	Activity location
🧳 我到机场去接朋友。	Wǒ dào jīchǎng qù jiē péngyǒu.	I’m going to the airport to pick up a friend.	Movement towards place
🏬 她到了商场就给我打电话。	Tā dào le shāngchǎng jiù gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.	She called me as soon as she arrived at the mall.	Arrival notice
🚉 火车到了，还没开门。	Huǒchē dào le, hái méi kāimén.	The train has arrived but the doors haven’t opened yet.	Arrival of vehicle
🏨 我们到了酒店，先办理入住。	Wǒmen dào le jiǔdiàn, xiān bànlǐ rùzhù.	We arrived at the hotel and checked in first.	Arrival and action
🗺️ 你到了地铁站了吗？	Nǐ dào le dìtiě zhàn le ma?	Have you arrived at the subway station?	Asking about arrival
🏃 我现在出发，晚上到家。	Wǒ xiànzài chūfā, wǎnshàng dào jiā.	I’m leaving now and will get home in the evening.	Journey endpoint

Use zài 在 to highlight location or ongoing state, and use dào 到 to emphasize arrival or attainment of a place or goal.

Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025