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HSK 2.0 Level 2+ HSK 3.0 Level 2+ 6 min read

到, 离, and 从

Talk about routes, distance, and origin with three essential place words.

Pattern

到 = to; 离 = away from; 从 = from

Use the right preposition for movement, distance, and starting point.

我想到机场。

When to use 到, 离, and 从

到 points to the destination. 从 points to the starting point. 离 measures distance from a place.

酒店离地铁站很近。

The hotel is close to the subway station.

我从北京来。

I come from Beijing.

从这里到车站要十分钟。

From here to the station takes ten minutes.

学校离我家不远。

The school is not far from my home.

Common traps

  • Do not use 从 for distance; use 离.
  • 到 can be a verb or part of a route phrase.
  • Keep 从 before the starting place.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

我想 机场

Missing grammar piece
Meanings
to arrive; to