Comparing "dedao" and "shoudao"
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.
| 得到 (dédào) | 收到 (shōudào) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | to obtain, to get | to receive |
| Part of Speech | verb | verb |
| Formality | formal | informal |
Contents
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.
