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.
I go into the room.
I take a bath. (lit. I go into the bath.)
Emphasizes going 'inside'. Often used when the inside/outside distinction is important.
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)'.
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)'.
A cat came in through the window.
To express getting into a vehicle.
The standard verb for 'get on' or 'get into' a vehicle. Used with the particle に.
I get on the train.
I get into the car.
Emphasizes the action of boarding or stepping into a vehicle, often with a sense of purpose or when it's crowded.
To express joining or entering a field, institution, or group.
To express moving into a new stage, era, or condition.
Can be used metaphorically for entering a period or state.
We enter a new era.
I fall asleep. (lit. I enter sleep.)
Means 'to rush into' or 'to plunge into', often used for dramatic entries into a phase or situation. More intense and formal.
To plunge into war.
To express delving into a subject or explaining in depth.
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.
I enter the room.
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.
I join a company.
Please don't go into private matters.