Translation guide
The English verb 'enter' covers a wide range of situations, from physically going into a place to typing data or joining an organization. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions depending on what is being entered and the context.
To move from outside to inside a room, building, area, etc.
The most common verb for entering a physical space. Intransitive; the place entered is marked with に.
I enter the room.
Please come in.
Emphasizes the action of going into a place, often from the perspective of someone outside.
He went into the store.
To enter, often used in prohibitions or formal contexts. Literally 'step into'.
Authorized personnel only. (No entry for unauthorized persons.)
To key in text, numbers, or commands into a computer or device.
To become a member of a school, company, club, etc.
Also used for joining groups, schools, companies. The group is marked with に.
Specifically for entering a school or educational institution.
I will enter university next year.
To join a club, society, or membership organization.
I join a golf club.
To begin a new time period, stage, or state.
To register or participate in a contest, race, etc.
General verb for participating in an event, competition, or activity.
I enter a contest.
To participate in a match, tournament, or stage event. Often used in sports.
I enter the Olympics.
Loanword from English, used for entering a competition or registering for an event.
I enter a marathon.
To put information into a record, list, or document.
To get into a car, taxi, etc.
To formally make or submit something in a legal or official context.
While 入る (はいる) is the most common translation, it is not used for entering data (入力する), entering a vehicle (乗る), or entering a competition (参加する). Using 入る in these contexts can sound unnatural.
入る (はいる) is intransitive (something/someone enters). 入れる (いれる) is transitive (to put something in). For example: 部屋に入る (I enter the room) vs. 部屋に荷物を入れる (I put luggage into the room).
キーワードを打ち込む。
I type in a keyword.
日記に書き込む。
I write an entry in my diary.
タクシーに乗り込む。
I get into a taxi.