When to use -ni ikimasuka or -masuka


Do these both mean exactly the same thing?

> 何時に子どもを迎えますか  
>  何時に子どもを迎えに行きますか

“When do you pick up your child?”

I suppose the second says “when do you leave to pick up your child” more
precisely?

If so, is that the difference between the two? I don’t know which form to use
in general conversation and what sounds less or more “wooden”.




The verb 迎える alone can mean to go greet someone, but the meaning is closer to
"welcome" or even "herald". So, if you say 子供を迎える, it actually means to
"welcome a child into your life".

For the more everyday occurrence like picking up your child, it's more natural
to say "子供を迎えに行く".




The verb 迎える alone can mean to go greet someone, but the meaning is closer to
"welcome" or even "herald". So, if you say 子供を迎える, it actually means to
"welcome a child into your life".

For the more everyday occurrence like picking up your child, it's more natural
to say "子供を迎えに行く".

