Translation guide
The English phrase "get in" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: entering a vehicle or enclosed space, arriving at a destination, being admitted to a school or event, and a few other practical meanings.
Expressing the action of entering a car, taxi, elevator, bathtub, etc.
Get in the car. · I got in the taxi. · She got in the elevator. · He got in the bathtub.
The most common verb for getting into vehicles (cars, trains, buses, bicycles) or onto something. Use に for the vehicle.
車に乗ってください。
Please get in the car.
タクシーに乗ろう。
Let's get in a taxi.
Used for entering enclosed spaces like a room, bathtub, or elevator. Focuses on physically going inside.
お風呂に入った。
I got in the bath.
エレベーターに入りましょう。
Let's get in the elevator.
Emphasizes the action of stepping into a vehicle, often with a sense of purpose or when boarding a larger vehicle like a ship or plane.
彼は電車に乗り込んだ。
He got on the train.
Talking about reaching a place, especially after traveling.
What time does your flight get in? · The train gets in at noon. · I got in late last night.
The standard verb for arriving. Use に for the destination.
何時に空港に着きますか。
What time do you get in to the airport?
電車は午後6時に着く。
The train gets in at 6 p.m.
More formal than 着く. Often used in announcements or written schedules.
飛行機はまもなく到着します。
The plane will get in shortly.
Succeeding in entering a school, university, event, or group.
Did you get into the university you wanted? · She got into the concert for free. · He got into the team.
Specifically for entering a school or university.
彼は東京大学に入学した。
He got into the University of Tokyo.
A general verb for entering a group, club, or organization. Also used for getting into a school in casual speech.
サークルに入りたい。
I want to get into a club.
あの大学に入るのは難しい。
It's hard to get into that university.
Means to pass an exam or be accepted after an application process. Often used for schools or competitions.
試験に合格して大学に入った。
I passed the exam and got into university.
Starting to participate in or develop an interest in something.
I'm really getting into yoga. · How did you get into photography? · He got into trouble.
Casual verb meaning to get really into something, like a hobby or game. Often used for obsessions.
最近、ゲームにはまっている。
I've been getting into games lately.
To become absorbed or engrossed in something. Slightly more formal than はまる.
彼は読書に夢中になっている。
He's getting into reading.
Literally 'to put out one's hand', meaning to get involved in something new, often with a nuance of trying it out or dabbling.
Squeezing into a tight space or finding time for something.
Can you get all that in one suitcase? · I need to get in a workout today. · He managed to get in a few words.
Used for fitting into a space or container. Also for fitting into a schedule.
この箱に全部入るかな。
I wonder if everything will get in this box.
明日の予定に入れますか。
Can you get it into tomorrow's schedule?
To cut in or squeeze into a line or conversation. Has a negative nuance of pushing in.
Handing in an application, report, or other document.
I need to get my application in by Friday. · Did you get your homework in on time?
The standard verb for submitting documents, homework, applications, etc.
レポートを提出しなければならない。
I have to get my report in.
A more casual verb for submitting or sending something. Often used for homework or applications.
宿題を出した？
Did you get your homework in?
Use 乗る (のる) for most vehicles: cars, trains, buses, bicycles, etc. Use 入る (はいる) for enclosed spaces you physically step into: bathtubs, elevators, small rooms. For airplanes and ships, 乗る is standard, but 乗り込む can add a sense of boarding.
English 'get in' is highly context-dependent. A direct translation like 入る may not work for vehicles or arrivals. Always match the Japanese verb to the specific meaning.
I got into stocks.
彼は列に割り込んだ。
He got in line by cutting.