도착하다 vs 이르다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 도착하다
Listen to 이르다
| 도착하다 | 이르다 |
|---|---|
do-CHAK-ha-da verb | i-reu-da verb |
| to arrive; to reach a destination | to arrive or come to a point (often used for times, stages, or somewhat literary contexts); can also mean 'to be early' depending on usage |
How they differ
이르다 can substitute for 도착하다 when talking about reaching a time or stage or in more literary phrasing, but it is more ambiguous because it also means 'to be early' and carries a somewhat literary or formal tone; 도착하다 is the clear, everyday word for arrival.
When to use each
When to use 도착하다: Use 도착하다 in everyday speech to talk clearly about someone or something arriving at a place.
When to use 이르다: Use 이르다 when writing or speaking in a slightly formal or literary register, or when emphasizing that a certain time or stage has been reached (but watch for ambiguity with 'early').
Side-by-side examples
- 비행기가 새벽 6시에 도착했다.
(The plane arrived at 6 a.m.) - 비행기는 새벽 6시에 이르렀다.
(The plane reached the station/point at 6 a.m. (a more literary phrasing))
Register & nuance: 이르다 is more literary or formal than 도착하다 and is less common in casual conversation; context can make its meaning ('arrive' vs 'be early') clearer.