至

• Pinyin: zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 至 = pictograph of arrow reaching ground, meaning to arrive/reach

Meaning

To; until; up to; to reach. Indicates an endpoint in time or space.

A classical/formal connector for ranges. Common patterns: 从...至... (from...to...), 至今 (up to now), 至少 (at least). More formal than 到. Also used in compounds like 甚至 (even).

Examples

1. 工作时间从早上九点至下午五点。 Working hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM.
2. 这项传统至今仍然保留着。 This tradition has been preserved to this day.
3. 他从北京骑车至上海，用了整整两周。 He cycled from Beijing to Shanghai, taking a full two weeks.

Usage Guide

Context: written, time ranges, formal speech

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 报名时间：三月一日至三月十五日。(Registration period: March 1st to March 15th.)
• 这件事至关重要。(This matter is of utmost importance.)

Don't Say

• 我至他家 (In spoken language, use 到 — 至 is mainly for written contexts)

Origin & History

Pictograph of an arrow reaching its target. Original meaning: to arrive, to reach.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal