도착하다 vs 도달하다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 도착하다
Listen to 도달하다
| 도착하다 | 도달하다 |
|---|---|
do-CHAK-ha-da verb | do-dal-ha-da verb |
| to arrive; to reach a destination | to reach; to attain; to arrive at |
How they differ
도달하다 is used more for reaching a goal, level, limit, or abstract destination than for ordinary physical arrival. 도착하다 is the normal word for physically arriving somewhere, while 도달하다 sounds more formal and is often used in written or technical contexts.
When to use each
When to use 도착하다: Use 도착하다 for everyday physical arrival at a place.
When to use 도달하다: Use 도달하다 when you mean reaching a target, limit, stage, or figurative destination.
Side-by-side examples
- 우리는 밤늦게 역에 도착했다.
(We arrived at the station late at night.) - 우리는 목표에 도달했다.
(We reached the goal.)
Register & nuance: 도달하다 is more formal and literary, and it is less common in casual conversation than 도착하다.