Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing thinking of or realizing something with 想到 (xiǎngdào)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 想到 + Clause

    Explanation

    The verb 想到 (xiǎngdào) means to think of, recall, or come to realize something. It combines 想 (to think) with the result complement 到 (to arrive at), indicating that a thought has been reached. For example, 没有想到 means "did not expect" or "never thought that."

    Examples

    • 我突然想到了一个好办法，可以试试看。

      Wǒ tūrán xiǎng dào le yī gè hǎo bànfǎ, kěyǐ shìshì kàn.

      I suddenly thought of a good idea; we can give it a try.

    • 你有没有想到他会这么早辞职？

      Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu xiǎng dào tā huì zhème zǎo cízhí?

      Did you ever expect him to resign so early?

    • 每次想到小时候的事情，她都会笑起来。

      Měi cì xiǎng dào xiǎoshíhòu de shìqíng, tā dōu huì xiào qǐlái.

      Every time she thinks of things from her childhood, she laughs.

    Expressing thinking of or realizing something with 想到 (xiǎngdào) | Chinese Grammar