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To arrive means to reach a place at the end of a journey or a process.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! 'Arrive' is a word we use when we get to a place. Imagine you are going to your friend's house. When you get there, you arrive! It's like the end of your trip. You can say, 'I arrive home.' Or, 'The train arrives soon.' It means the train is coming to the station. It's a simple word for reaching your destination.
The verb 'arrive' means to reach a place after travelling. For example, if you take a bus to the city centre, you arrive there. We often say 'arrive at' for specific places like 'arrive at the airport' or 'arrive at the station'. We also say 'arrive in' for bigger places like cities or countries, such as 'She arrived in Paris'. It marks the end of a journey.
'Arrive' is a common verb used to describe reaching a destination. You'll often use it with prepositions: 'arrive at' is used for specific locations like 'the office', 'the station', or 'a party'. For instance, 'The guests arrived at the wedding venue just before the ceremony.' Use 'arrive in' for cities, countries, or larger regions: 'They arrived in Japan after a long flight.' It can also signify reaching a point in time or a state, like 'arriving at a conclusion'.
'Arrive' signifies the completion of a journey or the attainment of a goal. The choice between 'arrive at' and 'arrive in' depends on the specificity of the destination. 'Arrive at' is typically used for specific points (e.g., 'the bus stop', 'the meeting room', 'a crossroads') and abstract destinations ('a decision', 'a compromise'). 'Arrive in' is generally used for larger geographical areas ('a country', 'a continent', 'a town'). Understanding this nuance is crucial for natural expression.
The verb 'arrive' denotes the culmination of a journey, process, or period. Its usage with prepositions is context-dependent: 'arrive at' often implies reaching a specific physical point or an abstract state (e.g., 'arrive at an understanding', 'arrive at a standstill'). Conversely, 'arrive in' typically refers to entering a larger geographical area (e.g., 'arrive in the city', 'arrive in the suburbs'). The word can also carry connotations of achieving a certain status or level, as in 'arriving on the scene' as a prominent figure.
'Arrive' encapsulates the successful attainment of a destination, whether literal or figurative. Its etymological roots in reaching a 'river bank' hint at its historical association with journeys' ends. The distinction between 'arrive at' (specific points, abstract conclusions) and 'arrive in' (larger geographical areas) is a key grammatical marker. Beyond simple arrival, 'arrive' can imply a significant personal or professional milestone, such as an artist 'arriving' in the public consciousness, signifying recognition and establishment.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means to reach a destination or end point.
- Use 'arrive at' for specific places/ideas, 'arrive in' for cities/countries.
- Past tense is 'arrived'.
- Can be used literally (travel) or figuratively (decisions, success).
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful word 'arrive'. It's all about reaching a destination, whether that's a physical place or even a point in time. Think about it: you arrive at school, you arrive home, you arrive at a party. It’s the moment you get there!
But it's not just about travel. We can also 'arrive' at an understanding, or a conclusion. Imagine you've been thinking hard about a problem, and suddenly, you have the answer! You've arrived at a solution. It’s a versatile word that marks the end of a journey, big or small.
So, whether it’s a plane landing, a train pulling into the station, or you finally figuring out that tricky math problem, 'arrive' is the word that captures that feeling of completion and attainment. It’s a fundamental concept in communication, helping us describe movement and progress.
The word 'arrive' has a fascinating journey through history, tracing its roots back to Latin! It comes from the Old French 'ariver', which meant 'to reach a shore'. This, in turn, comes from the Late Latin word 'arripare', meaning 'to reach the bank (of a river)'.
The 'ad-' part in Latin means 'to', and 'ripa' means 'river bank'. So, originally, it was very much tied to the idea of reaching land after travelling by water, like a boat docking. Can you picture those ancient sailors finally seeing land after a long voyage?
Over time, the meaning broadened. From the specific act of reaching a river bank, it expanded to cover reaching any shore, and eventually, any destination at all. This shift happened as language evolved and people needed a word to describe reaching places other than just river banks. It’s a great example of how words adapt and grow with us!
We use 'arrive' all the time, and it pairs up with some common words, called collocations, that make it sound natural. The most frequent one is 'arrive at' when talking about a place, especially a specific point like an airport, station, or a building. For example, 'We will arrive at the hotel around 3 PM.' It’s also used for abstract destinations like 'arrive at a decision' or 'arrive at a conclusion'.
When we're talking about arriving in a larger area, like a city, country, or even just a general location, we often use 'arrive in'. Think: 'She arrived in London yesterday' or 'The team arrived in the city safely.' This distinction between 'at' and 'in' is key!
Formally, 'arrive' is straightforward. Casually, you might hear things like 'We finally made it!' which implies arrival. But 'arrive' itself is pretty neutral and works in almost any situation, from casual chats to formal announcements. It’s a workhorse verb!
While 'arrive' itself isn't packed with idioms like some other words, it features in expressions that highlight its core meaning of reaching a point or goal.
- Arrive on time: This is super common and means to reach a place or complete something exactly when expected or scheduled. Example: 'The bus arrived on time, so we didn't miss our train.'
- Arrive late: The opposite of arriving on time, meaning to reach a place after the expected or scheduled time. Example: 'He always arrives late for meetings, which is frustrating.'
- Arrive early: To reach a place before the expected or scheduled time. Example: 'Let's arrive early to get good seats.'
- Arrive at a decision/conclusion: As mentioned, this means to finally make a decision or reach an understanding after thinking. Example: 'After much debate, the committee arrived at a decision.'
- Arrive in style: To arrive in a way that is impressive or fashionable. Example: 'She arrived in style at the gala in a vintage sports car.'
- The moment of truth has arrived: This signifies that a crucial or decisive point has been reached. Example: 'The judges are about to announce the winner; the moment of truth has arrived.'
The verb 'arrive' is a regular verb in English, meaning its past tense and past participle are formed by adding '-ed'. So, the past tense is 'arrived' and the past participle is also 'arrived'. Easy peasy!
Pronunciation is fairly standard. In British English, it's often pronounced /əˈraɪv/, with the stress on the second syllable. The 'a' sound is a schwa (like the 'a' in 'about'), and the 'i' is a long 'eye' sound. In American English, it's very similar, often /əˈraɪv/, perhaps with a slightly clearer 'r' sound.
Some common pronunciation pitfalls include misplacing the stress or not clearly pronouncing the final 'v' sound. Remember, it’s not 'arri-vuh' but 'ar-RIVE'. Rhyming words include 'strive', 'thrive', and 'drive'.
Fun Fact
The word originally came from Latin 'ad ripam', meaning 'to the bank (of a river)', highlighting its early connection to water travel.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a soft 'uh' sound (schwa), followed by a stressed 'RYE' sound, ending with a clear 'V'.
Very similar to British pronunciation, perhaps with a slightly more pronounced 'R' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'a' as in 'apple' instead of the schwa sound.
- Not clearly pronouncing the final 'v' sound.
- Misplacing the stress on the first syllable instead of the second.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy to read
easy to write
easy to say
easy to understand
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Prepositions of Place (at vs. in)
Arrive at the station. Arrive in London.
Verb Tenses (Present Simple, Past Simple, Future)
He arrives tomorrow. He arrived yesterday. He will arrive soon.
Adverbs of Time and Manner
Arrive on time. Arrive late. Arrive safely.
Examples by Level
I arrive home.
I / arrive / home
Present simple tense for general statements or habits.
The bus arrives soon.
The / bus / arrives / soon
Third person singular 's' added to the verb 'arrive'.
We arrive at the park.
We / arrive / at / the / park
'Arrive at' is used for specific places.
She arrives at school.
She / arrives / at / school
Present simple, third person singular.
They arrive late.
They / arrive / late
Adverb 'late' describes when they arrived.
He arrives early.
He / arrives / early
Adverb 'early' describes when he arrived.
The train arrives now.
The / train / arrives / now
'Now' indicates the present moment.
You arrive safely.
You / arrive / safely
Adverb 'safely' describes the manner of arrival.
The plane will arrive in London tomorrow.
The / plane / will / arrive / in / London / tomorrow
'Arrive in' is used for cities and countries.
We arrived at the hotel just in time for dinner.
We / arrived / at / the / hotel / just / in time / for / dinner
Past tense 'arrived' used for a completed action.
Did you arrive in New York yesterday?
Did / you / arrive / in / New York / yesterday?
Question form in the past tense.
They arrived at the meeting point early.
They / arrived / at / the / meeting point / early
'Arrive at' used for a specific location.
I hope to arrive in Spain by Friday.
I / hope / to / arrive / in / Spain / by / Friday
Future intention using 'hope to arrive'.
The package arrived this morning.
The / package / arrived / this morning
Past tense 'arrived' for a completed event.
When will the guests arrive?
When / will / the / guests / arrive?
Future tense question.
She arrived at a difficult decision.
She / arrived / at / a / difficult / decision
'Arrive at' used for abstract nouns like 'decision'.
The train is scheduled to arrive at platform 3 at 10:15 AM.
The / train / is / scheduled / to / arrive / at / platform 3 / at / 10:15 AM
Passive voice ('is scheduled') indicating a plan.
We finally arrived in Paris after a long journey.
We / finally / arrived / in / Paris / after / a / long / journey
Use of 'finally' emphasizes the completion of a long process.
They arrived at a compromise after hours of negotiation.
They / arrived / at / a / compromise / after / hours / of / negotiation
'Arrive at a compromise' is a common collocation for reaching an agreement.
Please let us know when you arrive at your destination.
Please / let / us / know / when / you / arrive / at / your / destination
Imperative mood ('Please let us know') requesting information.
The artist arrived on the scene with a unique style.
The / artist / arrived / on / the scene / with / a / unique / style
Idiomatic use: 'arrive on the scene' means to become prominent.
He arrived in a state of shock.
He / arrived / in / a / state / of / shock
'Arrive in a state of...' describes the condition upon arrival.
If the package doesn't arrive by Monday, contact customer service.
If / the / package / doesn't / arrive / by / Monday, / contact / customer service
Conditional sentence (If...then structure).
She arrived late for the interview, which hurt her chances.
She / arrived / late / for / the / interview, / which / hurt / her / chances
Relative clause ('which hurt her chances') providing additional information.
The delegation is expected to arrive in the capital city by noon.
The / delegation / is / expected / to / arrive / in / the / capital city / by / noon
'Expected to arrive' indicates a planned future event. 'In' is used for cities.
After much deliberation, the committee finally arrived at a unanimous decision.
After / much / deliberation, / the / committee / finally / arrived / at / a / unanimous / decision
'Arrived at a unanimous decision' highlights consensus after discussion.
He arrived in his hometown after a decade abroad, feeling like a stranger.
He / arrived / in / his / hometown / after / a / decade / abroad, / feeling / like / a / stranger
Use of 'in' for hometown; the phrase implies a significant change in perspective.
The package could arrive any day now; tracking shows it's cleared customs.
The / package / could / arrive / any day / now; / tracking / shows / it's / cleared / customs
'Could arrive' expresses possibility. 'Cleared customs' provides context.
She arrived at the conclusion that the project was unfeasible.
She / arrived / at / the / conclusion / that / the / project / was / unfeasible
'Arrive at the conclusion' is a formal way to state a final judgment.
The new technology arrived on the market with significant fanfare.
The / new / technology / arrived / on / the / market / with / significant / fanfare
'Arrived on the market' signifies the release of a product.
We should arrive at the venue an hour before the performance begins.
We / should / arrive / at / the / venue / an hour / before / the / performance / begins
'Should arrive' expresses recommendation or expectation.
His career truly arrived when his first novel became a bestseller.
His / career / truly / arrived / when / his / first / novel / became / a / bestseller
Figurative use: 'career arrived' means achieved success and recognition.
The expedition is due to arrive in the remote village by the end of the week.
The / expedition / is / due / to / arrive / in / the / remote / village / by / the / end / of / the / week
'Due to arrive' indicates a scheduled or expected arrival. 'In' is appropriate for a village.
Upon arrival at the scene, the emergency services assessed the situation.
Upon / arrival / at / the / scene, / the / emergency / services / assessed / the / situation
'Upon arrival' is a formal noun phrase meaning 'when arriving'.
The company aims to arrive at a sustainable solution that benefits all stakeholders.
The / company / aims / to / arrive / at / a / sustainable / solution / that / benefits / all / stakeholders
'Arrive at a solution' implies a process of finding an answer, often complex.
Her performance marked the moment she truly arrived as a leading actress.
Her / performance / marked / the / moment / she / truly / arrived / as / a / leading / actress
Figurative 'arrived' signifies achieving prominence and recognition.
We must arrive at a consensus regarding the budget allocation before the next meeting.
We / must / arrive / at / a / consensus / regarding / the / budget / allocation / before / the / next / meeting
'Arrive at a consensus' implies reaching a general agreement through discussion.
The goods are expected to arrive in port within the next 48 hours.
The / goods / are / expected / to / arrive / in / port / within / the / next / 48 hours
'Arrive in port' is specific to maritime logistics.
He arrived in a philosophical mood, pondering the meaning of existence.
He / arrived / in / a / philosophical / mood, / pondering / the / meaning / of / existence
'Arrive in a mood' describes the emotional or mental state upon reaching a place or time.
The final results will arrive once all votes have been tallied.
The / final / results / will / arrive / once / all / votes / have / been / tallied
Figurative arrival of results, dependent on a condition ('once...').
The archaeological team anticipates arriving in the excavation zone by early spring.
The / archaeological / team / anticipates / arriving / in / the / excavation / zone / by / early / spring
'Anticipates arriving' uses a more sophisticated verb and noun phrase. 'In' is used for the zone.
His latest work signifies the point at which the artist truly arrived, transcending mere technical skill.
His / latest / work / signifies / the / point / at / which / the / artist / truly / arrived, / transcending / mere / technical / skill
Figurative 'arrived' implies reaching a peak of recognition and artistic maturity.
Negotiators struggled to arrive at a mutually agreeable framework for peace.
Negotiators / struggled / to / arrive / at / a / mutually / agreeable / framework / for / peace
'Arrive at a framework' suggests the creation of a complex structure or plan.
The ship is scheduled to arrive in port, weather permitting, within the next seventy-two hours.
The / ship / is / scheduled / to / arrive / in / port, / weather / permitting, / within / the / next / seventy-two / hours
Formal phrasing with 'weather permitting' indicating a condition.
Upon their arrival in the city, the refugees were met with both suspicion and compassion.
Upon / their / arrival / in / the / city, / the / refugees / were / met / with / both / suspicion / and / compassion
'Upon their arrival' is formal. The sentence explores complex societal reactions.
The scientific community is poised to arrive at groundbreaking discoveries in quantum physics.
The / scientific / community / is / poised / to / arrive / at / groundbreaking / discoveries / in / quantum / physics
'Poised to arrive at' suggests imminent, significant breakthroughs.
He arrived in a state of profound melancholy, reflecting on past failures.
He / arrived / in / a / state / of / profound / melancholy, / reflecting / on / past / failures
'Profound melancholy' elevates the description of the state upon arrival.
The legislation aims to arrive at a balanced approach, addressing environmental concerns without stifling economic growth.
The / legislation / aims / to / arrive / at / a / balanced / approach, / addressing / environmental / concerns / without / stifling / economic / growth
'Arrive at a balanced approach' signifies the creation of a carefully considered policy.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"arrive on time"
To reach a destination or complete a task at the scheduled or expected time.
The train arrived on time, so we weren't delayed.
neutral"arrive late"
To reach a destination or complete a task after the scheduled or expected time.
Unfortunately, the bride arrived late for her own wedding.
neutral"arrive early"
To reach a destination or complete a task before the scheduled or expected time.
We decided to arrive early to help set up the event.
neutral"arrive at a decision/conclusion"
To finally make a decision or reach an understanding after a period of thought or discussion.
The jury took three days to arrive at a verdict.
neutral"arrive in style"
To arrive in a very impressive, fashionable, or grand manner.
The celebrity arrived in style, stepping out of a vintage sports car.
casual"The moment of truth has arrived"
The point at which something critical or decisive will happen.
The judges are about to announce the winner; the moment of truth has arrived.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean to get to a destination.
'Arrive' often focuses on the moment of completion or the place itself. 'Reach' can emphasize the effort involved or the act of getting there. 'Arrive in/at' are common prepositions, while 'reach' often takes a direct object (reach the destination).
We arrived in Paris. We reached Paris after a long flight.
Both are used to indicate arriving at a place.
'Get to' is more informal and conversational than 'arrive'. 'Arrive' can sound slightly more formal or neutral.
What time did you get to the party? (Casual) What time did you arrive at the party? (Neutral/Slightly Formal)
Both indicate movement towards a location.
'Come' is used when the destination is where the speaker is, or moving towards the speaker's location. 'Arrive' is more general and can be used regardless of the speaker's location.
I will arrive at your office at 10 AM. (Speaker is not there yet) Please come to my office at 10 AM. (Speaker is there or moving towards it).
Both indicate arrival.
'Land' specifically refers to the arrival of aircraft on the ground or ships reaching a shore. 'Arrive' is a general term for any kind of arrival.
The plane will arrive in London. The plane will land at Heathrow Airport.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + arrive + at + [specific place/abstract noun]
The delegation arrived at the conference center.
Subject + arrive + in + [city/country/larger area]
They arrived in Australia last week.
Subject + arrive + [adverb: on time, late, early]
She always arrives early for her appointments.
Subject + arrive + home/work/school
I arrived home after midnight.
Subject + arrive + [prepositional phrase]
He arrived on the scene just as the fire started.
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Tips
Visualize the Journey's End
When you hear or read 'arrive', picture the final moment of a trip – a plane touching down, a car pulling into a driveway, or even just walking through your front door. This mental image helps solidify the meaning.
Master 'At' vs. 'In'
Remember the simple rule: 'arrive AT' specific points (the station, the door) and 'arrive IN' larger areas (the city, the country). Practice this distinction, and you'll sound much more natural!
The Importance of Punctuality
In many English-speaking cultures, arriving on time is a sign of respect. Be mindful of this cultural nuance when planning your arrivals for meetings or social events.
Regular Verb = Easy Past Tense!
Good news! 'Arrive' is a regular verb. Just add '-ed' to make the past tense: 'arrived'. No tricky irregular forms to memorize!
Stress the Second Syllable
Don't say 'AH-rive'. Say 'uh-RYVE'. The stress is on the second part, 'rive', which sounds like 'drive' or 'strive'.
Avoid 'Arrive Place' Directly
Native speakers always use a preposition like 'at' or 'in' after 'arrive' when mentioning a place. Say 'arrive at the park', not just 'arrive the park'.
From River Banks to Anywhere!
The word 'arrive' originally meant reaching a river bank. Imagine how much its meaning has expanded to cover all kinds of travel today!
Track Your Own Arrivals
For a week, consciously note down when you 'arrive' places (home, work, gym). Write sentences using 'arrive at' or 'arrive in' for each instance. It makes learning personal!
Beyond Physical Travel
Remember 'arrive' isn't just for journeys. You can 'arrive at a decision' or 'arrive at an understanding'. Think of it as reaching the end point of any process.
Noun Form: Arrival
The noun form is 'arrival'. You can talk about 'the arrival of the guests' or 'flight arrivals'. Knowing the noun helps you understand related contexts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'a drive' to the 'rive'r bank. You 'arrive' there after the drive.
Visual Association
Imagine a boat docking at a river bank after a long journey.
Word Web
Challenge
Try using 'arrive at' and 'arrive in' correctly in five sentences each.
Word Origin
Old French 'ariver'
Original meaning: To reach a shore or river bank
Cultural Context
While 'arrive' itself is neutral, the context of arrival can be sensitive. For instance, discussing immigration or refugee arrivals requires careful and respectful language.
Punctuality is often valued in many English-speaking cultures. 'Arriving on time' is generally expected for formal occasions, work, and appointments. Being 'late' can sometimes be seen as disrespectful.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Travel and Transportation
- Flight arrivals
- Arrive at the airport/station
- Arrive in the city/country
- Scheduled arrival time
Daily Life & Social Events
- Arrive home from work
- Arrive at the party/meeting
- Arrive on time
- Guests arriving soon
Decision Making & Problem Solving
- Arrive at a decision
- Arrive at a conclusion
- Arrive at a compromise
- Arrive at an understanding
Business & Formal Settings
- Arrive at the venue
- Delegation arrives
- Upon arrival
- Arrive at a consensus
Conversation Starters
"What's the latest you've ever arrived somewhere?"
"Do you prefer to arrive early or just on time for things?"
"What was the most exciting place you've ever arrived in?"
"Have you ever arrived at a decision that completely changed your plans?"
"If you could arrive anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you arrived somewhere unexpected. What happened?
Write about a goal you want to achieve. What does 'arriving' at that goal look like?
Reflect on a situation where arriving late had consequences. How did you feel?
Imagine you are arriving in a new city for the first time. Describe your initial impressions and feelings.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsUse 'arrive at' for specific points (e.g., the station, the office, a decision) and 'arrive in' for larger geographical areas (e.g., a city, a country).
No, 'arrive' means to reach a place. If you are already there, you say 'I am here' or 'I am home'.
The past tense is 'arrived'.
Yes, common phrases include 'arrive on time', 'arrive late', 'arrive early', and 'arrive in style'.
Yes, it can be used for objects (like packages), events (like a deadline), or abstract concepts (like a decision or conclusion).
'Get to' is a more casual synonym, often used in spoken English, meaning the same thing as 'arrive' or 'reach'.
It means they appeared or became involved, often in a situation that required attention, like emergency services arriving at an accident.
It's pronounced /əˈraɪv/, with the stress on the second syllable: 'uh-RYVE'.
Test Yourself
The train will ______ soon.
'Arrive' means to reach the station.
Which sentence correctly uses 'arrive in'?
'Arrive in' is used for cities and countries like London.
The phrase 'arrive at a conclusion' means to start thinking about something.
It means to reach or find a conclusion after thinking.
Word
Meaning
Matching prepositions and phrases with their typical usage.
The correct order forms the sentence: 'The flight is expected to arrive on time.'
After weeks of debate, the committee finally ______ a decision.
'Arrived at' is used for abstract destinations like decisions.
Which sentence uses 'arrive' figuratively?
The sentence 'His career arrived...' means his career became successful and recognized, not a physical arrival.
The phrase 'upon arrival' is typically used in informal conversation.
'Upon arrival' is a formal phrase, often used in writing or formal speech.
The expedition anticipates ______ in the remote region by mid-summer.
The verb 'anticipates' is followed by a gerund (-ing form) here.
Which option best describes the nuance of 'arrive' in the sentence 'She truly arrived as a musician after her debut album'?
This figurative use implies achieving significant success and recognition in her field.
Score: /10
Summary
‘Arrive’ marks the successful completion of a journey, whether it's across the globe or just to a conclusion.
- Means to reach a destination or end point.
- Use 'arrive at' for specific places/ideas, 'arrive in' for cities/countries.
- Past tense is 'arrived'.
- Can be used literally (travel) or figuratively (decisions, success).
Visualize the Journey's End
When you hear or read 'arrive', picture the final moment of a trip – a plane touching down, a car pulling into a driveway, or even just walking through your front door. This mental image helps solidify the meaning.
Master 'At' vs. 'In'
Remember the simple rule: 'arrive AT' specific points (the station, the door) and 'arrive IN' larger areas (the city, the country). Practice this distinction, and you'll sound much more natural!
The Importance of Punctuality
In many English-speaking cultures, arriving on time is a sign of respect. Be mindful of this cultural nuance when planning your arrivals for meetings or social events.
Regular Verb = Easy Past Tense!
Good news! 'Arrive' is a regular verb. Just add '-ed' to make the past tense: 'arrived'. No tricky irregular forms to memorize!
Related Content
More travel words
くらい/ぐらい
B1Particle indicating extent, degree, or 'about/approximately'.
宿泊
B1The act of staying overnight in a place, such as a hotel or guest house. Essential for IELTS General Task 1 letters regarding travel complaints or bookings.
入場料
B1The fee paid to enter a place.
入場券
B1A ticket allowing entry to an event or place.
冒険
B1Adventure; an exciting or unusual experience.
手頃
B1Reasonable in price or size; affordable, suitable.
〜の後に
B1After (a noun or event).
〜の後で
B1After (time or place), behind.
飛行場
A2Airport.
航空会社
B1Airline company.
