Comparing "dedao" and "shoudao"
得到 (dédào) and 收到 (shōudào) are both verbs that can be translated as "to get," but they are used in different contexts and are not fully interchangeable. 得到 is more formal, whereas 收到 can be both informal or formal. 得到 is most similar to "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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Be careful when translating "to get" into Chinese
Consider the following English sentences. Does each use of the word "get" refer to "obtain" (得到) or "receive" (收到)?
- I got your WeChat message.
- I got a present from grandma.
- I got good grades this semester.
- I got a prize in the contest.
Answers below!
- 我 得到 了 你的 微信 。
- 我 收到 了 你的 微信 。I received your WeChat message.
