Comparing "dedao" and "shoudao"

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得到 (dédào) and 收到 (shōudào) are both verbs that can be translated as "to get" or "to receive," but they are used in different contexts and are not fully interchangeable. 得到 is used in formal situations, whereas 收到 is in both informal and formal situations. 得到 is most similar to "to get" or "to obtain," whereas 收到 means "to receive" a text, a message, a letter, a package, etc.











B1HSK4ASV4567
得到 (dédào) 收到 (shōudào)
Meaning to obtain, to get to receive
Part of Speech verb verb
Formality formal informal

Use 得到 (dédào) to mean "to obtain"

Although "to get" is often an acceptable translation of 得到, because the usage of "to get" is so broad in English, you'll save yourself a lot of confusion by using the translation "to obtain" for 得到.

得到 is used for things one can "obtain" after much effort, such as good grades, a good opportunity, someone’s approval, etc.

Common Phrases

Example Sentences

Use 收到 (shōudào) to mean "to receive"

收到 means “to receive” some concrete thing like a package, a gift, a letter, etc.

Common Phrases

Example Sentences

Be careful when translating "to get" into Chinese

  • I got your message.
  • I got a present.
  • I got good grades.
  • I got a prize.

Sources and further reading

Websites