提到

• Pinyin: tí dào
• Hanzi breakdown: 提 = 扌(hand) + 是 (phonetic); 到 = 至 (arrive) + 刂 (knife) — to arrive at, to reach

Meaning

To mention; to refer to. To briefly bring up a topic or person in conversation.

A compound verb meaning to mention or refer to something in passing. Less formal than 提出 and does not imply a formal proposal. Often used to note that something was said or referenced: 他提到了你 (he mentioned you). Can be followed by a person, topic, or a clause.

Examples

1. 她在电话里提到了你。 She mentioned you on the phone.
2. 老师上课时提到了这本书。 The teacher mentioned this book during class.
3. 他没有提到这件事。 He didn't mention this matter.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, retelling, daily life

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你刚才提到的那家餐厅在哪里？(Where is the restaurant you just mentioned?)
• 他提到想去北京旅游。(He mentioned wanting to travel to Beijing.)

Don't Say

• 我要提到一个建议 (Don't use 提到 when formally presenting a proposal — use 提出 instead; 提到 is for casual or incidental mentions)

Origin & History

提 (tí, to raise/mention) + 到 (dào, to arrive/reach). Literally to 'raise and reach' a topic — to touch upon or mention something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal