Translation guide
How to express the action of inserting something into something else in Japanese, depending on what is being inserted and the context.
カードを入れてください。
Insert the card.
ここにテキストを入力してください。
Insert text here.
To physically put an object into a narrow space, slot, or container.
The most common and versatile verb for 'put in' or 'insert'. Used for putting objects into containers, slots, or openings.
カードをATMに入れる。
Insert the card into the ATM.
鍵を鍵穴に入れる。
Insert the key into the keyhole.
Literally 'insert and push in'. Often used for plugging in cables, inserting cards, or sliding something into a tight fit.
USBをパソコンに差し込む。
Plug the USB into the computer.
紙をシュレッダーに差し込む。
Insert the paper into the shredder.
Formal or technical term for 'insertion'. Used in medical, mechanical, or official contexts.
カテーテルを挿入する。
Insert a catheter.
To add text, characters, or data into a document, field, or string.
Standard term for 'input' or 'enter' data, text, or commands into a computer or form.
パスワードを入力する。
Enter the password.
セルに数式を入力する。
Insert a formula into the cell.
Used in word processing or editing to mean 'insert' text, images, or objects. Often seen in menus.
画像を文書に挿入する。
Insert an image into the document.
To write in, fill in, or post (online). Implies adding written content into a space.
To place something between two other things.
To put a coin, bill, or ticket into a slot of a vending machine, turnstile, etc.
The general verb for putting coins or tickets into machines.
自動販売機に百円玉を入れる。
Insert a 100-yen coin into the vending machine.
Formal term for 'insert' or 'feed' coins/bills into a machine. Often seen on instructions.
硬貨を投入してください。
Please insert coins.
入れる is the general 'put in' and works for most situations. 差し込む emphasizes the sliding/pushing action and is common for plugs, cards, and tight fits. Use 差し込む when you want to stress the insertion motion.
充電器をコンセントに差し込む。
Plug the charger into the outlet.
挿入する is very formal and technical. In everyday speech, it can sound awkward or overly clinical. Stick to 入れる or 差し込む for physical objects, and 入力する for data entry.
Fill in the required information on the form.
彼は会話に冗談を差し挟んだ。
He inserted a joke into the conversation.