This short guide shows when to use zài 在 for location and dào 到 for arriving or reaching, with clear examples and key differences.
zài 在 – location and ongoing place
Use zài 在 to mark where someone or something is, for places, positions, and sometimes time; it signals an ongoing location or situation.
| Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏢 wǒ zài bàngōngshì | I am at the office | 🏢 我在办公室。 | |
| ☕ tā zài cafésitè | He is at the café | ☕ 他在咖啡店。 | |
| 🚏 chēzhàn zài nàlǐ | The bus stop is over there | 🚏 车站在那里。 | |
| 🛋️ wǒ zài jiālǐ | I am at home | 🛋️ 我在家里。 |
dào 到 – arrive, reach, and target
Use dào 到 to show arriving at a place, reaching a destination, or completing an action that targets a place or goal; it emphasizes movement or attainment.
| Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏨 wǒ dào le lǚguǎn | I arrived at the hotel | 🏨 我到了旅馆。 | |
| 🚪 tā dào ménkǒu le | He reached the entrance | 🚪 他到门口了。 | |
| 📬 wǒ gěi nǐ dào le xìn | I sent you the letter (lit. reached you) | 📬 我给你到了信。 | |
| 🛬 fēijī dào le jīchǎng | The plane arrived at the airport | 🛬 飞机到了机场。 |
Key difference
zài 在 points to an existing location or setting, while dào 到 highlights the action of getting to or reaching a place; choose based on whether you want to mark position or arrival.
Examples
| Hanzi Character(s) | Pinyin Word(s) | English Translation(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏙️ wǒ zài chéngshì lǐ gōngzuò | I work in the city | 🏙️ 我在城市里工作。 | |
| 🏢 wǒ dào chéngshì zhōngxīn le | I arrived at the city center | 🏢 我到城市中心了。 | |
| 🚌 chē zài lù shàng | The bus is on the road | 🚌 车在路上。 | |
| 🛫 wǒ dào chēzhàn hòumiàn qù le | I went to behind the bus station | 🛫 我到车站后面去了。 |
Summary
Remember: use zài 在 for stating where something is, and use dào 到 to show arriving or reaching a place; practice with short sentences to feel the difference.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025