HSK Words: 报到 (bào dào) VS 报名 (bào míng)

In this article, we will explore the differences between two HSK words: 报到 (bào dào) and 报名 (bào míng). Although these words may seem similar, their meanings are distinct, and understanding the differences will help you use these words accurately in daily Chinese communication.

报到 (bào dào) means to report one's arrival or participation. It typically refers to a person or group checking in or presenting themselves to a particular place or organization.

Examples:

1. Freshman should report their arrival this afternoon.
   新生今天下午报到。
   Xīn shēng jīn tiān xià wǔ bào dào 。
2. We will report our arrival at the conference room tomorrow morning.
   我们明天早上在会议室报到。
   Wǒ men míng tiān zǎo shàng zài huì yì shì bào dào 。
3. All contestants must report their arrival today.
   所有参赛者今天必须报到。
   Suǒ yǒu cǎi sài zhě jīn tiān bì xū bào dào 。

报名 (bào míng) means to register or apply for participation in an event, program, or course. It involves submitting one's name and information to join a group or competition.

Examples: 

1. I have already registered for this year's competition.
   我已经报名参加今年的比赛。
   Wǒ yǐ jīng bào míng cān jiā jīn nián de bǐ sài 。
2. Do you want to register for this course?
   你想要报名参加这个课程吗？
   Nǐ xiǎng yào bào míng cān jiā zhè gè kè chéng ma ？
3. Please register for our event before tomorrow.
   请在明天之前报名参加我们的活动。
   Qǐng zài míng tiān zhī qián bào míng cān jiā wǒ men de huó dòng 。

Quiz: Please distinguish between "报到" (bào dào) and "报名" (bào míng) in the following sentences.

1. 我今天去大学___。
   wǒ jīn tiān qù dà xué ___ 。
2. 我下周去新公司___。
   wǒ xià zhōu qù xīn gōng sī ___ 。
3. 你__今年的比赛了吗？
   nǐ ___ jīn nián de bǐ sài le ma ？

Answer:

1. 报到 (bào dào)
2. 报到 (bào dào) 
3. 报名 (bào míng)