直到 zhídào until
How to remember 直到: 直 straight + 到 arrive = until.
Characters
How it is used
- Marks the end point 'up until' a time - 我等直到十点 (wǒ děng zhídào shí diǎn) I waited until ten. Often 直到...才 (zhídào...cái): 直到昨天我才知道 (zhídào zuótiān wǒ cái zhīdào) I didn't find out until yesterday.
- Contrast 到 (dào) alone, which just means 'to/arrive at'; 直到 stresses 'all the way up to that moment and not before'.
- For 'from...until' pair with 从 (cóng): 从早到晚 uses 到, but 直到 emphasizes the continuous stretch reaching the endpoint.
Example sentences
- 坚持下去直到我找到你。 Jiānchíxiàqù zhídào wǒ zhǎodào nǐ.Hang on till I get to you.
- 我会等在这儿直到他回来。 Wǒhuì děng zài zhèér zhídào tā huílái.I'll wait here till he comes back.
- 待在原地，直到我找到你。 Dài zài yuándì, zhídào wǒ zhǎodào nǐ.Stay put till I get to you.