受到

• Pinyin: shòu dào
• Hanzi breakdown: 受 = 爪 (claw) + 冖 + 又 (hand), depicting hands passing something, meaning 'to receive/endure'; 到 = 至 (arrive) + 刂 (knife), meaning 'to reach'

Meaning

To receive; to be subjected to. Indicates receiving an abstract influence, treatment, or impact.

Unlike 收到 (to receive physical items), 受到 is used for abstract things such as praise, criticism, welcome, influence, or impact. Often appears in passive-like constructions: 受到欢迎 (be welcomed), 受到影响 (be affected), 受到批评 (be criticised). Common in both formal and informal Chinese.

Examples

1. 他的表演受到了大家的欢迎。 His performance was well-received by everyone.
2. 她受到了老师的表扬。 She received praise from the teacher.
3. 很多地方受到了暴雨的影响。 Many places were affected by the heavy rain.

Usage Guide

Context: evaluation, news, describing impact

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他的工作受到了同事的认可。(His work was recognised by his colleagues.)
• 这部电影受到了很多人的喜爱。(This movie is loved by many people.)

Don't Say

• 不要用受到来表示收到东西 (Don't use 受到 to mean receiving physical items — 受到 is for abstract things like praise or influence; use 收到 for packages, letters, and messages)

Origin & History

受 (shòu, to receive/endure) + 到 (dào, to arrive). The complement 到 marks that the abstract influence has reached and affected the subject.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal