Translation guide
How to express the action of inserting something into something else in Japanese, depending on what is being inserted and the context.
Insert the card.
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.
Insert the card into the ATM.
Literally 'insert and push in'. Often used for plugging in cables, inserting cards, or sliding something into a tight fit.
Formal or technical term for 'insertion'. Used in medical, mechanical, or official contexts.
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.
To place something between two other things.
To insert something between two objects, like a bookmark in a book or a finger in a door.
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.
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.
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.
Insert the key into the keyhole.
USBをパソコンに差し込む。
Plug the USB into the computer.
Insert the paper into the shredder.
Enter the password.
Insert a formula into the cell.
Used in word processing or editing to mean 'insert' text, images, or objects. Often seen in menus.
Insert an image into the document.
To write in, fill in, or post (online). Implies adding written content into a space.
Fill in the required information on the form.
Insert a bookmark into the book.
Put ham between bread (make a sandwich).
To insert something into a gap or conversation; often used for interjecting a remark.
He inserted a joke into the conversation.
Insert a 100-yen coin into the vending machine.
Formal term for 'insert' or 'feed' coins/bills into a machine. Often seen on instructions.
Please insert coins.