[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Anatomy-and-Living \ #Motion-Conditions # 到 dào to arrive, to reach ## Components [[至 zhì]] [[至 (zhì)]] [[刂 (dāo)]] ## Meaning Nowadays, the character 到 (dào) primarily means "to arrive" or "to reach." It is used in various contexts to indicate arrival at a place, the attainment of a goal, or the completion of an action. Here are some common examples of its usage: 1. **到达 (dàodá)** - to arrive 2. **来到 (láidào)** - to come to 3. **达到 (dádào)** - to achieve, to reach 4. **迟到 (chídào)** - to be late The modern meaning retains the core concept of arriving or reaching a destination or goal. ## History The character 到 (dào) is a phono-semantic compound. The element 至 suggests the meaning, resembling an arrow hitting the ground in Seal Script, symbolizing arrival. The element 刀 (dāo) offers the phonetic component and signifies a sharp tool, implying swiftness. The original meaning is "to arrive." ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ？ ### Bronze Script ？ ### Seal Script ![[到 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[到 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[到 reg.svg]]