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.
部屋に入る。
I enter the room.
どうぞお入りください。
Please come in.
Emphasizes the action of going into a place, often from the perspective of someone outside.
彼は店に入っていった。
He went into the store.
To enter, often used in prohibitions or formal contexts. Literally 'step into'.
関係者以外立ち入り禁止。
Authorized personnel only. (No entry for unauthorized persons.)
To key in text, numbers, or commands into a computer or device.
The standard verb for entering data, text, or commands into a computer or device.
パスワードを入力してください。
Please enter your password.
データを入力する。
I enter data.
To type in or key in, often with a nuance of hitting keys. Common for typing text.
キーワードを打ち込む。
I type in a keyword.
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.
来年、大学に入学する。
I will enter university next year.
To join a club, society, or membership organization.
ゴルフクラブに入会する。
I join a golf club.
To begin a new time period, stage, or state.
Used for entering a season, era, phase, etc.
To rush into or plunge into a period or situation, often with a sense of suddenness.
戦争状態に突入する。
We enter a state of war.
To register or participate in a contest, race, etc.
General verb for participating in an event, competition, or activity.
コンテストに参加する。
I enter a contest.
To participate in a match, tournament, or stage event. Often used in sports.
オリンピックに出場する。
I enter the Olympics.
Loanword from English, used for entering a competition or registering for an event.
マラソンにエントリーする。
I enter a marathon.
To put information into a record, list, or document.
To fill in a form or write an entry in a document.
申込書に名前を記入する。
I enter my name on the application form.
To write in, fill in, or post an entry (e.g., in a diary, blog, or form).
日記に書き込む。
I write an entry in my diary.
To get into a car, taxi, etc.
To formally make or submit something in a legal or official context.
To enter into a contract. Literally 'tie a contract'.
会社と契約を結ぶ。
I enter into a contract with the company.
To enter a plea or make a formal statement in court.
無罪の申し立てをする。
I enter a plea of not guilty.
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).
タクシーに乗り込む。
I get into a taxi.