How to use 到
(一直 +) Verb + 到 + Time / Event; Verb + Object + Verb + 到 + Endpoint
到 after an activity introduces the point up to which it continues. The endpoint may be a clock time, a date, or an event that brings the activity to a stop. This complements the action rather than naming its location or recipient. 一直 before the verb can emphasize the activity’s continuity over the intervening period.
When the verb has an object, a common arrangement states the verb and object first, then repeats the verb with 到 and the endpoint. This keeps the object and the time complement from competing for the same position. Not every sentence needs repetition; it is especially useful with longer activity phrases or when both pieces of information need stating.
Examples with pinyin and English
你们要玩到几点？
When will you be done playing?
我们在酒吧一直聊到半夜。
We were chatting in the bar until midnight.
你弟弟要在我们家住到什么时候？
Your younger brother is going to stay in our house until when?
昨天的会一直开到晚上九点。
Yesterday's meeting lasted until 9 pm.
What to remember
- 到 follows the activity verb.
- The endpoint can be a time or event.
- Verb repetition can accommodate an object.
Practise the pattern
Practise this topic with the app’s grammar exercises. Your answers and review dates are saved separately from vocabulary practice.
Practise this grammar topic ↗Look up the grammar words
Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.