The word "等到" is formed through a logical and sequential combination of its two component characters: the first, 等 (děng), which carries the core meaning of "to wait" or "to await", is directly followed by the second, 到 (dào), which means "to arrive" or "until". This creates a compound where the action of waiting intrinsically progresses toward, and is defined by, a point of arrival or culmination; the concept flows from the initial state (waiting) directly into its intended conclusion (the arrival of a specific time or event).