“To enter” in Japanese is 入る (はいる), pronounced hairu.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To enter or go in. Looks like a る-verb, but it’s group 1: 入ります. Also used for bathing: お風呂に入る.
Example sentences
- 部屋に入ってもいいですか。へやにはいってもいいですか。May I come in?
- お風呂に入ります。おふろにはいります。I’ll take a bath.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 入る. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 入る はいる | enter |
| Polite present | 入ります はいります | enter |
| Polite negative | 入りません はいりません | don’t enter |
| Polite past | 入りました はいりました | past of “enter” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 入らない はいらない | don’t enter (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 入った はいった | past of “enter” (casual) |
| て-form | 入って はいって | enter and… / please enter (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 入りたい はいりたい | want to enter |
Quick practice
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Which word means “to teach”?
Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to enter in Japanese?
To enter in Japanese is 入る (はいる), pronounced “hairu”.
How do you write to enter in Japanese?
It's written 入る with kanji, or はいる in hiragana. Both are read hairu.
Is 入る on the JLPT?
Yes. 入る (hairu) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.