zài 在 vs dào 到 – at/in/on vs to arrive
Mandarin distinguishes location (zài 在) from arrival (dào 到) and they pattern differently in sentences. This guide compares them with short examples.
zài 在
zài 在 marks a location or ongoing position and is followed by a place noun or locational phrase. Think "at/in/on" for where something is.
dào 到
dào 到 emphasizes arrival or movement reaching a place and typically appears after a verb to show the destination. Think "to arrive at" or "to reach."
Usage
Use zài 在 to state where someone or something is located or positioned. Use dào 到 to highlight the action of arriving or going to a place.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 他现在在家。 | Tā xiànzài zài jiā. | He is at home now. | Location with 在 |
| 🏫 我在学校学习。 | Wǒ zài xuéxiào xuéxí. | I study at school. | Location of activity |
| 🪑 书在桌子上。 | Shū zài zhuōzi shàng. | The book is on the table. | Position on surface |
| 🚶♂️ 他到公园去了。 | Tā dào gōngyuán qùle. | He went to the park. | Movement towards place |
| 🚌 公交车到了。 | Gōngjiāo chē dào le. | The bus has arrived. | Arrival of vehicle |
| 🗣️ 我到了机场，给你打电话。 | Wǒ dào le jīchǎng, gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà. | I arrived at the airport and am calling you. | Arrival plus action |
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Examples
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🧳 我在机场等你。 | Wǒ zài jīchǎng děng nǐ. | I am waiting for you at the airport. | Using 在 for location |
| 🛬 飞机到了。 | Fēijī dào le. | The plane has arrived. | Using 到 for arrival |
| 🥡 我们在餐厅吃饭。 | Wǒmen zài cāntīng chīfàn. | We are eating at the restaurant. | Location of meal |
| 🗺️ 他到了城市中心。 | Tā dào le chéngshì zhōngxīn. | He arrived at the city center. | Destination reached |
| 🧑💻 我在办公室工作。 | Wǒ zài bàngōngshì gōngzuò. | I work in the office. | Work location |
| 🚗 他们到了酒店。 | Tāmen dào le jiǔdiàn. | They arrived at the hotel. | Arrival notice |
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Summary
zài 在 marks a location or situational place while dào 到 highlights arrival or reaching a destination. Choose zài 在 for static location and dào 到 for dynamic movement toward a place.
Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025