onto
word
/ˈɑntu/
ON-too
/ˈɒntʊ/
ON-too
Definition
'Onto' is a preposition used when someone or something moves to a position on a surface. It can also mean becoming aware of something, especially in the expression 'be onto something'.
Usage & Nuances
Use 'onto' for movement toward a surface: 'jump onto the bed.' For position without movement, 'on' is often enough: 'The book is on the table.' In informal English, 'on to' and 'onto' are sometimes confused. 'Be onto something' means you may have found the right idea or discovered a secret.
Spanish: sobre - a - haciaPortuguese (BR): sobre - em - paraPortuguese (PT): sobre - para cima de - emChinese (Simplified): 到…上 - 到…表面上 - 朝…上去Chinese (Traditional): 到…上 - 到…表面上 - 朝…上去Hindi: पर - के ऊपर - पर चढ़करArabic: على - فوق - إلى سطحBengali: উপর - জানার পথে (বুঝতে পারা) Russian: на - на следу (разоблачение, понимание)Japanese: 〜の上に - 気づく（アイデアや秘密を掴む）Vietnamese: lên trên - phát hiện ra (bắt đầu hiểu ra điều gì đó)Korean: 위로 - 눈치채다(알아내다)Turkish: üzerine - fark etmek (bir şeyin peşinde olmak)Urdu: پر - سمجھ جانا (کسی چیز کا پتہ لگا لینا)Indonesian: ke atas - menyadari (sedang mengetahui sesuatu)
Example Sentences
The cat jumped onto the chair.
basic
Please put your bag onto the table.
basic
She stepped onto the stage and smiled.
natural
He climbed onto the bus quickly.
basic
I think you're onto something with that idea.
natural
The police are onto him now.
natural