收到

• Pinyin: shōu dào
• Hanzi breakdown: 收 = 丩 (gather) + 攵 (action), meaning 'to collect'; 到 = 至 (arrive) + 刂 (knife), meaning 'to reach'

Meaning

To receive. To get something that was sent or given.

A result complement verb (收 + 到) indicating successful receipt of something. Used for letters, packages, messages, emails, gifts, and notifications. In messaging apps, replying with just 收到 is a common way to confirm receipt, similar to 'received' or 'got it.'

Examples

1. 我收到了你的邮件。 I received your email.
2. 你收到生日礼物了吗？ Did you receive the birthday present?
3. 她收到了大学的录取通知。 She received the university admission notice.

Usage Guide

Context: communication, mail, gifts

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我已经收到了你的消息。(I have already received your message.)
• 收到快递了，谢谢！(Received the delivery, thanks!)

Don't Say

• 不要说'收到了你'来表示见到了你 (Don't say 收到了你 to mean 'met you' — 收到 is for receiving things or information, not for meeting people; use 见到 instead)

Origin & History

收 (shōu, to collect/receive) + 到 (dào, to arrive/reach). The complement 到 indicates successful completion — the item has arrived and been received.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal