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A1 noun #2,589 most common 6 min read

到着

tōchaku
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 到着 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 到着 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 到着 (tōchaku) means 'to arrive.' It is a formal version of 'tsuku.' You will mostly see it at airports or on your phone when a package is delivered. Just remember the basic pattern: [Place] に 到着します (Arrive at [Place]). It is a very useful word for travel because it appears on every sign in the train station. If you see this word on a screen next to a time, it tells you when the train or plane will get there. It is one of the first 'kanji words' (kango) you should learn because it is so common in public spaces.
At the A2 level, you should start using 到着 in more structured sentences. You can use it to talk about schedules. For example, 'The bus arrives at 3:00' (Basu wa san-ji ni tōchaku shimasu). You should also recognize it in its noun form, like '到着予定時刻' (Scheduled time of arrival). This is a common phrase in travel apps. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between the casual 'tsuku' and the more polite 'tōchaku shimasu' when talking to teachers or strangers. You should also know its opposite, 'shuppatsu' (departure).
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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 到着 in business or formal contexts. You might use it in an email to confirm that you have received a document or that you have arrived at a hotel. 'Hotel ni mushi tōchaku shimashita' (I arrived safely at the hotel). You should also understand how it functions in compound words like '到着順' (in order of arrival/first-come, first-served). You'll encounter it in news reports about weather delays, where 'tōchaku ga okureru' (arrival is delayed) is a standard phrase. Your understanding should move beyond just 'getting somewhere' to the logistics of arrival.
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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the nuances of 到着 versus other similar words like 'tōtatsu' or 'nyūka.' You will see 到着 used in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'tōchaku shidai' (as soon as [I] arrive). This is very common in professional communication. You should also be able to read and write the kanji without assistance. In literature or higher-level listening, you might hear it used for the arrival of seasons or abstract concepts, though this is slightly more poetic. You should also understand the cultural importance of punctuality (teikoku tōchaku) in Japan.
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At the C1 level, 到着 becomes a tool for precise expression. You will use it to discuss logistics, supply chain management, or complex travel arrangements. You should understand its use in legal or contractual Japanese, where the exact moment of 'arrival' (tōchaku-ji) might have implications for the transfer of risk or ownership of goods. You should also be able to appreciate the word in a literary context, where an author might choose 到着 over 'tsuku' to create a specific rhythm or tone in the prose. You can discuss the social implications of 'arrival' in a society obsessed with efficiency.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 到着 is near-native. You understand its historical etymology and how it fits into the broader system of Sino-Japanese vocabulary. You can use it in academic writing or high-level business negotiations without hesitation. You are aware of rare or archaic synonyms and can explain why 到着 is the preferred modern term. You can use the word metaphorically in sophisticated ways, such as discussing the 'arrival' of a new era of technology or a shift in philosophical thought, and you can navigate the most complex honorific versions of the word (e.g., go-tōchaku) used in VIP hospitality.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

到着 in 30 Seconds

  • 到着 (tōchaku) is the formal Japanese word for 'arrival,' used for people, vehicles, and packages reaching a destination.
  • It is a 'suru' verb (到着する) and a noun, commonly seen in airports, stations, and delivery tracking apps.
  • The word is more formal than the casual 'tsuku' and is essential for understanding Japanese travel schedules.
  • It is the direct antonym of 'shuppatsu' (departure) and is usually paired with the particle 'ni' for the destination.

The word 到着 (とうちゃく - tōchaku) is a fundamental Japanese noun and suru-verb that translates primarily to 'arrival.' In the landscape of Japanese linguistics, it represents the specific moment or state where a journey, whether physical or metaphorical, concludes at a designated point. Unlike the more casual verb 'tsuku' (着く), 到着 carries a slightly more formal or objective tone, making it the standard choice for transportation schedules, business logistics, and official announcements. It encapsulates the transition from the state of 'being in transit' to 'having reached the goal.' This word is composed of two kanji: 到 (to reach/arrive) and 着 (to arrive/wear). Together, they emphasize the completion of movement toward a destination.

Physical Arrival
Refers to people, trains, planes, or cars reaching a location. For example, 'The train arrived at the station.'
Logistical Arrival
Used for mail, packages, or cargo reaching a warehouse or a customer's home.
Abstract Arrival
In higher-level contexts, it can refer to reaching a conclusion or a state of mind, though this is less common than physical movement.

飛行機が予定より早く到着しました。(The plane arrived earlier than scheduled.)

荷物の到着を待っています。(I am waiting for the arrival of the package.)

目的地に到着する。(To arrive at the destination.)

Kanji Breakdown: 到
This kanji suggests reaching a limit or a point. It is also found in 'toutatsu' (attainment).
Kanji Breakdown: 着
This kanji means to wear or to arrive. It is one of the most common kanji for physical presence at a spot.

In a broader sense, 到着 is the antonym of 出発 (しゅっぱつ - shuppatsu), which means departure. Understanding these two as a pair is crucial for navigating any Japanese travel context. Whether you are checking into a hotel or tracking an Amazon Japan delivery, this word will be your primary indicator that the journey is over. It is also used in the compound word 到着ロビー (Arrival Lobby) at airports, further cementing its role in the vocabulary of travel and movement.

Using 到着 correctly requires understanding its dual nature as both a noun and a 'suru' verb. When used as a verb, it follows the pattern [Destination] + に + 到着する. The particle 'ni' is essential here as it marks the target point of the arrival. Unlike some other movement verbs, 'e' (へ) is rarely used with 到着 because the focus is on the specific point of landing rather than the direction of travel.

  • As a Noun: '到着の予定' (Arrival schedule), '到着時刻' (Arrival time).
  • As a Verb: '駅に到着しました' (I arrived at the station).
  • In Compounds: '無事到着' (Safe arrival).

One of the most common ways you will encounter this word is in the passive or formal reporting of events. For instance, a delivery app might send a notification saying 'お荷物が到着しました' (Your luggage/package has arrived). In this context, the 'shimasu' form adds a level of politeness and professionalism. When speaking with friends, you might say 'Tsuita!' (I'm here!), but in a business email to a client, you would write '10時に到着する予定です' (I am scheduled to arrive at 10:00).

バスは定刻に到着しました。(The bus arrived on time.)

It is also important to note the difference between 到着 and 到達 (とうたつ). While 到着 is for physical destinations, 到達 is often used for reaching goals, levels, or specific numerical targets (like reaching a sales goal). If you are physically stepping off a train, 到着 is the only correct choice. Furthermore, in the context of sports, 到着 might be used for the finish line of a marathon, though 'go-ru' (goal) is also common.

You will hear 到着 in several specific environments, primarily those involving logistics, travel, and formal communication. The most iconic location is the Airport (空港 - kūkō). Over the PA system, you will hear announcements such as 'Narita-yuki 502-bin wa, tadaima tōchaku itashimashita' (Flight 502 to Narita has just arrived). The word is ubiquitous on digital signage, where 'Arrivals' is translated as 到着 and 'Departures' as 出発.

In Train Stations, while 'mairimasu' (is coming) is used for approaching trains, the electronic displays often use 到着 to indicate the time the train will reach the platform. In the world of E-commerce, Japanese consumers are very accustomed to seeing this word in tracking updates. When a package moves from the distribution center to the local delivery hub, the status will update to '配達支店に到着' (Arrived at the delivery branch).

「まもなく、1番線に列車が到着します。」(A train will arrive shortly on track 1.)

In Business Settings, it is used when reporting one's location to colleagues. If you are running late for a meeting, you might call and say 'Ato go-fun de tōchaku shimasu' (I will arrive in five minutes). This sounds much more professional than using the casual 'tsuku.' Additionally, in news reports, you will hear it regarding the arrival of foreign dignitaries or the return of Japanese citizens from abroad, emphasizing the official nature of the movement.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 到着 is using it in overly casual situations where 着く (tsuku) would be more natural. For example, saying 'Ie ni tōchaku shita!' to your family when you walk through the door sounds a bit like a robot or a formal news broadcast. In intimate settings, stick to 'Tadaima' or 'Tsuita yo!'

Another common error is the choice of particle. Learners often confuse に (ni) and で (de). Remember: [Destination] に 到着する. Using 'de' would imply that the arrival happened *inside* a location, which is logically redundant. You arrive *at* a point. However, you can use 'de' for the *means* of arrival: 'Hikōki de tōchaku suru' (Arrive by plane).

❌ 東京で到着しました。
✅ 東京に到着しました。

Confusion with 着信 (chakushin) is also common among beginners. While both involve 'arrival,' 着信 is specifically for incoming electronic signals like phone calls or emails. You wouldn't say your body 'chakushin-ed' at the station. Similarly, 入荷 (nyūka) is specifically for goods arriving at a store for stock. If you are a customer receiving a package, 到着 is fine, but if you are a shopkeeper getting new inventory, 入荷 is the professional term.

To truly master 到着, you must understand its relationship with similar Japanese terms. The most direct synonym is 着く (つく - tsuku). While they share the same kanji (着), 'tsuku' is a native Japanese verb (kun-yomi) and is much more flexible and common in daily speech. 到着 is the Sino-Japanese (on-yomi) equivalent, used for formal, technical, or written contexts.

到達 (とうたつ - tōtatsu)
Focuses on reaching a goal or a specific level. Used for abstract achievements or mathematical limits.
来着 (らいちゃく - raichaku)
A very formal term for the arrival of letters or people, rarely used in modern daily conversation but seen in literature.
着荷 (ちゃっか - chakka)
A technical logistics term specifically for the arrival of cargo or goods.

On the opposite side, we have 出発 (しゅっぱつ - shuppatsu), meaning departure. In any travel itinerary, you will see these two paired together. Another related term is 帰着 (きちゃく - kichaku), which specifically means 'returning and arriving' at one's original starting point, like a base or home. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the word that fits the 'vibe' of your conversation—whether you're being a precise professional or a casual friend.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

~てから (after doing)

~次第 (as soon as)

~たら (conditional)

~たばかり (just finished)

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Examples by Level

1

駅に到着しました。

I arrived at the station.

Uses the polite past tense 'shimashita'.

2

バスの到着はいつですか？

When is the bus's arrival?

Uses 'tōchaku' as a noun.

3

荷物が到着しました。

The package arrived.

Subject + ga + tōchaku.

4

10時に到着します。

I will arrive at 10:00.

Time + ni + tōchaku.

5

成田空港に到着。

Arriving at Narita Airport.

Noun-only usage common in notes or signs.

6

もうすぐ到着します。

We will arrive soon.

Adverb 'mousugu' + verb.

7

無事に到着しました。

I arrived safely.

Adverbial 'buji ni' (safely).

8

到着ロビーはどこですか？

Where is the arrival lobby?

Compound noun 'tōchaku robii'.

1

飛行機が定刻に到着した。

The plane arrived on time.

Uses 'teikoku' (scheduled time).

2

到着してから電話します。

I will call you after I arrive.

Verb + te-form + kara (after doing).

3

荷物の到着を確認してください。

Please confirm the arrival of the package.

Noun + no + tōchaku.

4

目的地に到着するまであと10分です。

It is 10 more minutes until we arrive at the destination.

Verb + made (until).

5

彼はまだ到着していません。

He hasn't arrived yet.

Negative continuous form 'te-imasen'.

6

到着予定時刻を教えてください。

Please tell me the estimated time of arrival.

Compound noun 'tōchaku yotei jikoku'.

7

京都に到着したら、お土産を買います。

When I arrive in Kyoto, I will buy souvenirs.

Conditional 'tara'.

8

この電車は終点に到着します。

This train will arrive at the last stop.

Subject + wa + destination + ni.

1

悪天候のため、到着が遅れています。

Due to bad weather, the arrival is delayed.

Reason + no tame (due to).

2

到着次第、会議を始めましょう。

Let's start the meeting as soon as [they] arrive.

Noun + shidai (as soon as).

3

資料の到着を心待ちにしております。

I am looking forward to the arrival of the documents.

Humble polite form 'shite-orimasu'.

4

一番乗りに到着したのは彼だった。

The one who arrived first was him.

Ichiban-nori (first to arrive).

5

到着順に席をご案内します。

We will guide you to your seats in order of arrival.

Noun + jun (in order of).

6

船が港に到着する様子が見える。

I can see the ship arriving at the port.

Verb + yousu (the state/appearance of).

7

予定より早く到着してしまった。

I ended up arriving earlier than planned.

Te-shimatta (unintentional/regretful action).

8

メールの到着を確認しました。

I confirmed the arrival of the email.

Standard business confirmation.

1

現地に到着するやいなや、雨が降り出した。

As soon as I arrived on site, it started raining.

Verb + ya-inaya (as soon as - formal).

2

救援物資が被災地に到着しつつある。

Relief supplies are currently arriving in the disaster area.

Verb stem + tsutsu-aru (in the process of).

3

到着が大幅に遅れる見込みです。

The arrival is expected to be significantly delayed.

Mikomi (expectation/forecast).

4

彼は無事目的地に到着したものと思われる。

It is thought that he arrived safely at his destination.

Mono to omowareru (it is considered that).

5

商品が到着してから7日以内なら返品可能です。

Returns are possible within 7 days after the product arrives.

Condition + nara (if).

6

到着後のスケジュールを確認しておきましょう。

Let's check the schedule for after arrival.

Noun + go (after).

7

列車は定刻通りに到着するはずだ。

The train should arrive exactly on time.

Hazu (expectation/certainty).

8

新製品の到着が待たれる。

The arrival of the new product is eagerly awaited.

Passive form 'matareru' used for anticipation.

1

先遣隊が現地に到着し、調査を開始した。

The advance party arrived on site and began the investigation.

Formal military/research vocabulary.

2

情報の到着が遅れたことが致命的となった。

The delay in the arrival of information proved fatal.

Koto ga chimeiteki (becoming fatal).

3

この手紙が君の元に到着する頃、僕はもういないだろう。

By the time this letter reaches you, I will likely be gone.

Koro (by the time).

4

貨物の到着をもって、契約完了とする。

The contract shall be considered complete upon the arrival of the cargo.

Wo motte (by means of/at the time of).

5

思わぬ展開に、ようやく結論に到着した。

Due to unexpected developments, we finally arrived at a conclusion.

Metaphorical use for 'reaching' a result.

6

到着したばかりの新鮮な魚を調理する。

I will cook the fresh fish that has just arrived.

Bakari (just after).

7

一報が到着するや、彼はすぐさま飛び出した。

As soon as the news arrived, he rushed out immediately.

Ya (as soon as - literary).

8

長旅の末、ようやく安住の地に到着した。

After a long journey, they finally arrived at a place of peaceful living.

No sue (at the end of).

1

その報せが宮殿に到着するまでには、数日を要した。

It took several days for that news to reach the palace.

Wo yousu (to require).

2

彼が真理に到着する道程は、険しく長いものだった。

The path for him to arrive at the truth was steep and long.

Abstract metaphorical use.

3

到着の是非を問う前に、出発の意義を考えるべきだ。

Before questioning the success of the arrival, one should consider the significance of the departure.

Zehi (right or wrong/success).

4

万感の思いを込めて、彼は故郷に到着した。

With a heart full of a thousand emotions, he arrived in his hometown.

Bankan no omoi (flood of emotions).

5

物資の到着が滞れば、作戦の遂行は不可能となる。

If the arrival of supplies is delayed, the execution of the operation will become impossible.

Todokōreba (if delayed/stagnated).

6

その艦隊が港に到着した時、歴史が動いた。

When that fleet arrived at the port, history was set in motion.

Rekishi ga ugoku (history moved).

7

情報の到着を待たずして、彼は決断を下した。

Without waiting for the arrival of information, he made a decision.

Zu-shite (without doing).

8

ついに彼らは、人類未踏の地に到着したのである。

Finally, they arrived at a place where no human had ever set foot.

No de aru (formal assertion).

Synonyms

着く 到達 入荷 帰着 来着

Antonyms

出発 発つ

Common Collocations

目的地に到着する
定刻に到着する
無事に到着する
到着が遅れる
到着を待つ
到着予定時刻
到着ロビー
一番乗りに到着する
荷物の到着
現地に到着

Common Phrases

到着次第 (As soon as [I] arrive)
到着順 (In order of arrival)
ご到着 (Your arrival - polite)
到着便 (Arriving flight)
到着地 (Destination/Arrival point)
未到着 (Not yet arrived)
到着案内 (Arrival information)
到着証明 (Proof of arrival)
到着駅 (Arrival station)
到着港 (Arrival port)

Often Confused With

到着 vs 到達 (tōtatsu)

Tōtatsu is for goals/levels; Tōchaku is for physical places.

到着 vs 着信 (chakushin)

Chakushin is for phone calls/emails.

到着 vs 入荷 (nyūka)

Nyūka is for store inventory arriving.

Idioms & Expressions

"一番乗りに到着する (To be the first to arrive)"
"間もなく到着 (Arriving shortly)"
"無事到着 (Safe arrival)"
"現地到着 (Arrival on site)"
"予定通り到着 (Arriving as scheduled)"
"ようやく到着 (Finally arrived)"
"同時到着 (Simultaneous arrival)"
"先着順 (First-come, first-served - related)"
"着到 (Arrival - older/formal)"
"到着を急ぐ (To hurry to arrive)"

Easily Confused

到着 vs

到着 vs

到着 vs

到着 vs

到着 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

objects

Can be used for people, vehicles, and inanimate objects like mail.

formality

到着 is more formal than 着く.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'de' instead of 'ni' for the destination.
  • Using 'tōchaku' in very casual family settings.
  • Confusing 'tōchaku' with 'tōtatsu' for abstract goals.
  • Mispronouncing the long 'o' as a short 'o'.
  • Forgetting to add 'suru' when using it as a verb.

Tips

Airport Signs

Always look for the kanji 到着 when looking for your luggage or the exit after a flight.

Email Etiquette

Use '到着しました' to professionally confirm you have reached a meeting location.

Particle Choice

Always use 'ni' for the destination. 'Tokyo ni tōchaku' is correct.

Antonym

Learn 'shuppatsu' (departure) at the same time to master travel vocabulary.

Politeness

When in doubt, 'tōchaku shimashita' is safer and more polite than 'tsuita'.

Package Tracking

If you see '配達支店に到着', your package is very close to your house.

Writing

The second kanji 着 is also used in 'kiru' (to wear). Think of 'wearing' the destination.

Punctuality

Being 'on time' (teikoku) is highly respected in Japan.

Train Displays

The word often flashes on the screen right before the train stops.

Memory

Tōchaku = 'To-Chalk'. Crossing the chalk line at the finish.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Japan's 'Takkyubin' services provide precise arrival windows.

Hotels often track 'go-tōchaku' to prepare for guests.

Arrival times are strictly followed in Japanese logistics.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"何時に到着しますか？ (What time will you arrive?)"

"無事に到着しましたか？ (Did you arrive safely?)"

"荷物はいつ到着する予定ですか？ (When is the package scheduled to arrive?)"

"到着ロビーで待ち合わせしましょう。 (Let's meet at the arrival lobby.)"

"予定より早く到着しそうです。 (It looks like I'll arrive earlier than planned.)"

Journal Prompts

今日、目的地に到着した時の気持ちを書いてください。 (Write about how you felt when you arrived at your destination today.)

旅行で一番印象に残っている到着の瞬間は？ (What is the most memorable arrival moment from your travels?)

荷物が到着するのを待っている時の気分は？ (How do you feel when waiting for a package to arrive?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds very formal. 'Tadaima' or 'Ie ni tsuita' is more common.

到着 is a formal noun/verb; 着く is a casual/common verb.

No, use 'chakushin' or 'jusshin' for receiving emails.

No, 'tōchaku ni' is the standard particle usage.

It is 'tōchaku yotei jikoku'.

Rarely. 'Tōtatsu' is better for abstract goals.

No, 'yattekuru' or 'otozureru' is better for seasons.

It is 'tōchaku robii'.

Not necessarily, just the act of reaching it.

It makes the 'o' sound longer (tō).

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