得到

• Pinyin: dé dào
• Hanzi breakdown: 得 (obtain) + 到 (arrive, reach) — to obtain, to gain

Meaning

To get; to obtain; to receive. Indicates successfully gaining something.

Used for obtaining both tangible items (得到一本书, get a book) and abstract things (得到帮助, receive help; 得到机会, get an opportunity). More formal than 拿到 (physically pick up).

Examples

1. 他得到了一个好成绩。 He got a good grade.
2. 我想得到你的帮助。 I want to get your help.
3. 她得到了一份礼物。 She received a gift.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, achievement

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他得到了老师的表扬。(He received the teacher's praise.)
• 我们得到了很多帮助。(We received a lot of help.)

Don't Say

• 我得到了一杯水 (Too formal for getting a drink — use 拿了一杯水 for physically picking up water)

Origin & History

Compound of 得 (obtain, gain) and 到 (arrive, reach) — to successfully obtain something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal