shōudào: 收到 - To Receive, To Get, "Got it"

• Keywords: 收到, shōudào, shoudao, receive in Chinese, get in Chinese, got it in Chinese, received email Chinese, how to say I got it, 收到 vs 接到, shoudao meaning, Chinese for received, HSK 2 word
• Summary: “收到” (shōudào) is a fundamental and highly practical Chinese verb meaning “to receive” or “to get.” Essential for everyday communication, it's most commonly used to confirm the receipt of messages, emails, packages, or information. In digital and professional contexts, replying with “收到” is the standard way to say “Got it” or “Roger that,” acknowledging that the communication loop is closed.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): shōudào
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 2
• Concise Definition: To receive something that has been sent, such as a message, email, package, or payment.
• In a Nutshell: “收到” is the confirmation that something has successfully arrived. It combines the action of “receiving” with the result of “arrival.” Think of it as the verbal equivalent of a delivery confirmation notice. It's direct, functional, and one of the most common replies you'll see in Chinese text messages and emails. It's the standard way to say “Message received” or “Got it.”

• 收 (shōu): This character means “to receive,” “to collect,” or “to gather.” The right side (攵) is a variation of the “hand” or “action” radical, suggesting an action of taking or collecting something.
• 到 (dào): This character means “to arrive” or “to reach.” In Chinese grammar, it often functions as a “result complement,” indicating that the action of the first verb was successfully completed.
• Combined Meaning: Together, 收 (shōu) + 到 (dào) literally means “receive-arrive.” It signifies the successful completion of the act of receiving. Something was sent, and now it has arrived in your possession or awareness.

While “收到” is a functional word, its usage reflects an important aspect of Chinese communication culture: clarity and accountability. In a professional or even a casual group setting, explicitly confirming receipt of information with “收到” is considered good etiquette. It's not just a casual “k,” but a clear signal that closes the communication loop. It tells the sender: “Your message has reached its destination, I am aware of it, and you don't need to follow up to see if I got it.” Compared to the Western use of “Got it” or “Received,” the Chinese “收到” can feel more formal and almost obligatory in a business context. Skipping this confirmation can be seen as slightly negligent or as leaving the sender in limbo. It reinforces a subtle cultural value of collective efficiency and ensuring everyone is on the same page. A simple “收到” provides assurance and respects the sender's time.

“收到” is ubiquitous in modern communication.

• Workplace & Email: This is its most common habitat. When a boss sends an instruction or a colleague forwards a document, the standard, polite reply is “收到，谢谢！” (shōudào, xièxie! - “Received, thank you!”). It's a professional and efficient way to acknowledge receipt.
• WeChat & Texting: In group chats or one-on-one conversations, “收到” is used constantly to confirm you've seen a message about plans, a shared file, or an important piece of information. It's the go-to alternative to a simple “OK” or a thumbs-up emoji when you need to be a bit clearer.
• Receiving Physical Items: When a package arrives, you have “收到” it. The delivery person (快递员, kuàidìyuán) might ask, “你收到了吗？” (Nǐ shōudào le ma? - “Have you received it?”).
• Formality: On its own, “收到” is neutral. Adding “了 (le)” at the end (`收到了`) makes it sound a bit more complete and conversational. Adding “谢谢 (xièxie)” makes it more polite and is standard practice in professional settings.

• Example 1:
  • 你的邮件我上午就收到了。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de yóujiàn wǒ shàngwǔ jiù shōudào le.
  • English: I received your email this morning.
  • Analysis: A very common and practical sentence in a work context. The `了 (le)` indicates the completed action of receiving.
• Example 2:
  • (In a text message)
  • A: 文件发给你了。(Wénjiàn fā gěi nǐ le. - I've sent the file to you.)
  • B: 收到。 ( Shōudào. - Got it./Received.)
  • Analysis: This is a perfect example of “收到” used as a short, efficient reply. It's the standard way to confirm receipt in digital communication.
• Example 3:
  • 你收到我寄给你的包裹了吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ shōudào wǒ jì gěi nǐ de bāoguǒ le ma?
  • English: Did you receive the package I sent you?
  • Analysis: This shows how to use “收到” in a question to ask about the status of a delivery. “包裹” (bāoguǒ) means package or parcel.
• Example 4:
  • 很高兴收到你的礼物，太谢谢你了！
  • Pinyin: Hěn gāoxìng shōudào nǐ de lǐwù, tài xièxie nǐ le!
  • English: I'm so happy to have received your gift, thank you so much!
  • Analysis: Here, “收到” is used for a physical item (a gift) and is followed by an expression of emotion (“很高兴” - very happy), showing its versatility.
• Example 5:
  • 我们还没有收到任何官方通知。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen hái méiyǒu shōudào rènhé guānfāng tōngzhī.
  • English: We have not yet received any official notification.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the negative form, `没有收到` (méiyǒu shōudào), meaning “have not received.” “官方通知” (guānfāng tōngzhī) is “official notice.”
• Example 6:
  • 收到请回复。
  • Pinyin: Shōudào qǐng huífù.
  • English: Please reply upon receipt.
  • Analysis: This is a very common and slightly formal phrase used at the end of emails or messages, especially in a work or military-like context. It's a clear call to action.
• Example 7:
  • 昨天我收到了大学的录取通知书。
  • Pinyin: Zuótiān wǒ shōudào le dàxué de lùqǔ tōngzhīshū.
  • English: Yesterday I received the acceptance letter from the university.
  • Analysis: This shows “收到” being used for a very important document. “录取通知书” (lùqǔ tōngzhīshū) is a university acceptance letter.
• Example 8:
  • 请确认您是否收到了付款。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng quèrèn nín shìfǒu shōudào le fùkuǎn.
  • English: Please confirm whether you have received the payment.
  • Analysis: A formal business sentence. “确认” (quèrèn) means “to confirm,” and “付款” (fùkuǎn) means “payment.”
• Example 9:
  • 收到！马上处理。
  • Pinyin: Shōudào! Mǎshàng chǔlǐ.
  • English: Roger that! Handling it right away.
  • Analysis: This is a crisp, efficient response you might hear in a fast-paced work environment. It acknowledges the message and confirms immediate action. “马上处理” (mǎshàng chǔlǐ) means “to handle immediately.”
• Example 10:
  • 他从家收到了一封信，看完了就哭了。
  • Pinyin: Tā cóng jiā shōudào le yī fēng xìn, kàn wán le jiù kū le.
  • English: He received a letter from home, and cried after reading it.
  • Analysis: This example places “收到” within a narrative, showing it as the starting point for a subsequent action or emotion.

• “收到” (shōudào) vs. “接到” (jiēdào): This is the most common point of confusion.
  • 收到 (shōudào): Use for receiving things that are sent or transmitted to you. Think emails, letters, text messages, packages, information, news. The focus is on the object arriving.
  • 接到 (jiēdào): Use for receiving things that involve a direct connection or pick-up. The classic examples are `接到电话` (jiēdào diànhuà - to receive/answer a phone call) or `去机场接到朋友` (qù jīchǎng jiēdào péngyou - to go to the airport to pick up a friend). The character `接` (jiē) implies connecting, meeting, or picking up.
  • Incorrect: 我收到一个电话。(Wǒ shōudào yí ge diànhuà.) → Correct: 我接到一个电话。(Wǒ jiēdào yí ge diànhuà. - I received a phone call.)
• “收到” (shōudào) vs. “明白” (míngbai): A “false friend” trap.
  • `收到` simply means you have received the information. It does not imply you understand it.
  • `明白` (míngbai) or `懂了` (dǒng le) means you understand the information.
  • You can `收到` an email with complex instructions but still `不明白` (bù míngbai - not understand) what to do. In a conversation, you could say: “邮件收到了，但是有些地方我还不明白。” (Yóujiàn shōudào le, dànshì yǒuxiē dìfang wǒ hái bù míngbai. - I've received the email, but there are some parts I still don't understand.)

• 接到 (jiēdào) - A close relative of “收到”, but used for things you actively “pick up” or “connect with,” like a phone call or a person.
• 接受 (jiēshòu) - To “accept.” This implies not just receiving, but also agreeing to or approving of something (e.g., accepting an apology, a job offer, or a philosophical idea).
• 明白 (míngbai) - To understand. Often the next step after you `收到` information.
• 发 (fā) - The opposite action: “to send” (e.g., to send an email, `发邮件`).
• 查收 (cháshōu) - A formal, written term often seen in emails meaning “to check and receive.” A sender might write: “附件请查收” (fùjiàn qǐng cháshōu - Please find the attachment for your receipt).
• 回复 (huífù) - To reply/respond. Often, the expected action after `收到`. The phrase `收到请回复` (shōudào qǐng huífù) means “Please reply upon receipt.”
• 收取 (shōuqǔ) - To collect or charge (e.g., `收取费用` - shōuqǔ fèiyòng - to collect a fee). More formal and specific than `收到`.