Translation guide
How to express 'going into' a place, container, building, or enclosed space in Japanese. The most common and natural way is using the verb 入る (hairu) with the particle に. There are also other verbs and expressions for specific contexts like entering a vehicle, entering a profession, or entering a new phase.
To express the action of moving from outside to inside a physical enclosed space.
The most common and general verb for 'enter' or 'go into'. Used with the particle に to indicate the destination.
Emphasizes going 'inside'. Often used when the inside/outside distinction is important.
雨が降ってきたので、中に入った。
It started raining, so I went inside.
Emphasizes the movement of going into a place, often from the perspective of someone outside. It implies 'go in (and away from the speaker)'.
彼は店に入っていった。
He went into the store.
Emphasizes the movement of coming into a place, often from the perspective of someone inside. It implies 'come in (toward the speaker)'.
猫が窓から入ってきた。
A cat came in through the window.
To express getting into a vehicle.
To express joining or entering a field, institution, or group.
Also used for entering organizations, schools, or professions. The particle に is used.
Specifically means 'to get a job' or 'to enter employment'. More formal than 入る.
彼は銀行に就職した。
He got a job at a bank. (lit. He entered employment at a bank.)
To express moving into a new stage, era, or condition.
To express delving into a subject or explaining in depth.
Literally 'enter in detail', meaning to go into detail. Often used with 〜について (about ~).
その問題について詳しく入る。
I will go into detail about that issue.
Means 'to enter into' a topic, often with a nuance of intruding or going too deep. Commonly used in negative requests.
プライベートな問題に立ち入らないでください。
Please don't go into private matters.
入る (hairu) is intransitive ('something/someone enters'), while 入れる (ireru) is transitive ('to put something in'). Do not confuse them. For 'going into', use 入る.
私は部屋に入る。
I enter the room.
私は本をかばんに入れる。
I put the book into the bag.
Always use に with 入る to mark the destination. Using を is incorrect for 'going into' (を would mark the object of a transitive verb like 入れる).
I squeeze into the crowded train.