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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'wait until' with 等到 (děngdào)

    Condition
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    等到 + Time/Event + 才/就 + Clause

    Explanation

    The verb phrase 等到 (děngdào) means 'to wait until' a certain time or event. It combines 等 (to wait) with 到 (to arrive at), and is followed by a time expression or event clause. For example, 下一次要等到2040年 means 'the next time won't be until 2040.'

    Examples

    • 等到春天来了，我们一起去赏花。

      Děngdào chūntiān lái le, wǒmen yīqǐ qù shǎnghuā.

      When spring comes, let's go enjoy the flowers together.

    • 等到他回来，我们再出发。

      Děngdào tā huílái, wǒmen zài chūfā.

      Wait until he comes back, and then we'll set off.

    • 等到孩子上了大学，她才有时间旅行。

      Děngdào háizi shàng le dàxué, tā cái yǒu shíjiān lǚxíng.

      It wasn't until her child went to college that she had time to travel.

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    Expressing 'wait until' with 等到 (děngdào) | Chinese Grammar