elementaryA2 · TOCFL a2preposition coverbfunction word
到
Pattern
Verb + 到 + time / place / point
Key words
Core idea
到 after a verb can mark the endpoint an action reaches.
That endpoint can be a time, place, amount, or stage.
Compare with destination
You already know 到 for going to a place. Postverbal 到 extends that idea: the action continues up to a point.
Word order note
Put 到 after the verb, before the endpoint.
Examples
我们聊到十点。
Wǒmen liáo dào shí diǎn.
We chatted until ten o'clock.
他走到学校。
Tā zǒu dào xuéxiào.
He walks to school.
我从早上等到下午。
Wǒ cóng zǎoshàng děng dào xiàwǔ.
I waited from morning until afternoon.
Common mistakes
Avoid
我们到十点聊。
Use
我们聊到十点。
When 到 marks the endpoint of an action, it follows the verb.