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入ります

A2 verb 8 min read

入ります

hairimasu

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 入ります in 30 Seconds

Explanation 入ります in your Level:

At the A1 level, '入ります' (hairimasu) is taught as a basic movement verb. You learn it alongside 'ikimasu' (go) and 'kimasu' (come). Focus is on the physical act of entering a room or a house. Students learn that the destination is marked with the particle 'ni'. Examples include 'Heya ni hairimasu' (I enter the room) and 'Uchi ni hairimasu' (I enter the house). The primary goal is to distinguish it from 'demasu' (to leave). At this stage, the nuances of 'joining a club' or 'containing ingredients' are usually not introduced to avoid confusion. The focus is purely on the spatial transition from outside to inside.

At the A2 level, the usage of '入ります' expands to social and habitual contexts. You learn to use it for joining groups, such as 'Kurabu ni hairimasu' (I will join a club) or 'Kaisha ni hairimasu' (I will join a company). This level also introduces the 'te-iru' form to describe a state: 'Kaban ni saifu ga haitte imasu' (There is a wallet in the bag). Learners also encounter the verb in common daily routines, specifically 'ofuro ni hairimasu' (to take a bath). Understanding the difference between 'hairimasu' (intransitive) and 'iremasu' (transitive) becomes a key learning objective to prevent common errors in basic sentences.

At the B1 level, you begin to use '入ります' in more abstract and idiomatic ways. This includes 'ki ni iru' (to like something/to enter one's spirit) and 'te ni hairu' (to obtain something/to enter one's hand). You also learn to use it for natural phenomena, like 'tsuyu ni hairu' (to enter the rainy season) or 'hi ga hairu' (sunlight enters). The potential form 'hairemasu' is used to discuss capacity and limits (e.g., 'This room can hold 50 people'). Learners are expected to understand the nuance of 'hairimasu' when it describes news or money arriving in an account, reflecting a more sophisticated grasp of 'entering' a system.

At the B2 level, '入ります' is used in professional and technical contexts. You might encounter it in discussions about computer systems ('Jouhou ga hairu' - information is input/received) or economic trends ('Yosan ni hairu' - to be within the budget). The focus shifts to more formal synonyms like 'nyuusha' or 'nyuugaku' for specific types of 'entering,' and 'hairimasu' is used more strategically in conversation. Learners should be able to distinguish between 'hairimasu' and other movement verbs in complex narrative structures and understand its role in compound verbs like 'tachi-hairu' (to enter/trespass).

At the C1 level, '入ります' is understood in its full literary and philosophical breadth. It may appear in classical literature or high-level academic texts to describe abstract concepts like 'entering an era' or 'entering a state of enlightenment.' The subtle differences between 'hairu' and its more formal counterparts are mastered. You can use it to describe the way a certain feeling 'enters' or takes hold of a person. Mastery at this level includes knowing when *not* to use it in favor of more precise, kanji-heavy vocabulary (kango), and understanding its use in complex idiomatic expressions found in newspapers and literature.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like intuition for '入ります.' You understand its historical etymology and how its usage has evolved from Old Japanese. You can appreciate the poetic use of the word in haiku or modern prose, where 'entering' might describe the way light hits a specific object or the way a season subtly shifts. You are also proficient in using the humble and honorific forms associated with the concept of entering (like 'o-hairi ni naru'). At this level, the word is no longer just a verb but a versatile tool for expressing the nuances of containment, inclusion, and transition in any possible context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

入ります in 30 Seconds

Primarily means 'to enter' or 'to go inside' a physical space like a room or building.
Used for joining organizations such as schools, companies, or sports clubs.
Describes ingredients or items contained within a whole (e.g., sugar in coffee).
Applies to abstract concepts like entering a season, a state of mind, or receiving news.

The Japanese verb 入ります (hairimasu) is a cornerstone of daily communication, primarily meaning 'to enter' or 'to go inside.' However, its utility extends far beyond just walking through a doorway. It is the polite (masu) form of the intransitive verb hairu. In Japanese thought, 'entering' can describe physical movement into a space, joining an organization, or even the inclusion of ingredients in a dish. Understanding 入ります requires a shift from seeing it as a simple action verb to seeing it as a verb of 'containment' and 'membership.'

Physical Entry: The most common usage is moving from the outside to the inside of a building, room, or vehicle. For example, entering a house or getting into a car.
Joining Groups: When you join a club, a company, or a school, you 'enter' it. It signifies becoming a part of a collective entity.
Inclusion: In a culinary context, it describes what is inside a dish. If a soup has tofu, you say tofu 'enters' the soup.

部屋に入ります (Heya ni hairimasu) - I will enter the room.

One of the most culturally significant uses of this word is in the phrase ofuro ni hairimasu (to take a bath). Unlike in English where we 'take' a bath, in Japanese, you 'enter' the hot water. This reflects the traditional Japanese bathing culture where the tub is a vessel you immerse yourself in. Similarly, when you receive a phone call or a message, the signal or data 'enters' your device. The verb is also used for the change of seasons, such as entering the rainy season (tsuyu ni hairu).

お風呂に入ります (Ofuro ni hairimasu) - I'm going to get in the bath.

Abstract Entry: Entering a state of mind or a period of time, such as entering the winter season or entering a trance.

In business, 入ります is used when money is deposited into an account (okane ga hairimasu) or when news is received. It conveys a sense of something arriving and being contained within a system. This versatility makes it one of the top 500 most frequent verbs in the Japanese language. Whether you are a student joining a club or a professional entering a meeting room, this word is your primary tool for describing the transition from 'outside' to 'inside.'

大学に入ります (Daigaku ni hairimasu) - I will enter/enroll in university.

Using 入ります correctly involves mastering the particle 'ni' and understanding the verb's intransitive nature. Unlike English, where you might say 'I enter the room' (direct object), in Japanese, you 'enter *into* the room.' Therefore, the room is the destination of the movement, not the object being acted upon. This is a crucial distinction for English speakers who are used to transitive 'enter.'

Sentence Structure: [Subject] wa [Location/Group] ni hairimasu. (Subject enters Location/Group.)

猫が箱に入ります (Neko ga hako ni hairimasu) - The cat goes into the box.

When discussing ingredients, the structure changes slightly. You use the particle 'ga' to indicate the item that is present within the larger whole. For example, 'Kono koohi ni wa sato ga haitte imasu' (There is sugar in this coffee). Note that in this context, the 'te-iru' form (haitte imasu) is often used to describe the state of being already inside.

The 'Te-iru' State: Haitte imasu (is inside/has entered). This is used for ingredients or items in a bag.

カバンに本が入っています (Kaban ni hon ga haitte imasu) - There is a book in the bag.

For social contexts, 入ります is the standard way to say you are joining a team or a company. 'ABC-sha ni hairimasu' means 'I will join ABC Company.' It implies a formal enrollment or employment process. It is also used for insurance: 'Hoken ni hairimasu' (to take out insurance/to enter an insurance plan).

テニスクラブに入ります (Tenisu kurabu ni hairimasu) - I will join the tennis club.

Finally, consider the use of 入ります in potential form (hairemasu) to indicate capacity. 'Kono erebeeta ni wa juunin hairemasu' (Ten people can fit in this elevator). Here, 'entering' translates to 'fitting' or 'having the capacity for.' This logical extension of 'entering' is very common in everyday Japanese descriptions of space.

You will encounter 入ります in various social and professional settings in Japan. One of the most common places is at the entrance of a shop or restaurant. While the staff yells 'Irasshaimase!', you might hear a colleague say 'Hairimashou' (Let's go in). In a more formal setting, such as visiting someone's home, you would say 'Ojama shimasu' as you enter, but the host might say 'Douzo, haitte kudasai' (Please, come in).

Restaurants: Checking if a place has space: 'Go-nin hairemasu ka?' (Can five people fit/get in?)
Offices: When a new employee starts: 'Atarashii hito ga hairimashita' (A new person has joined/entered).

お茶を入れます... wait! No, that's transitive. Use 'Ocha ga hairimashita' (Tea is served/ready).

In a service context, 'Hairimasu' is often used by staff to announce their entry into a space. For example, a waiter entering a private dining room might say 'Hairimasu' or 'Shitsurei shimasu' to alert the guests. On television or in news reports, you'll hear it regarding data or information: 'Atarashii jouhou ga hairimashita' (New information has just come in/entered our system).

スイッチが入ります (Suitchi ga hairimasu) - The switch turns on (literally: the power enters).

In the kitchen, you'll hear it when discussing recipes. 'Kono ryouri ni wa ninniku ga hairimasu ka?' (Does garlic go into this dish?). It's the standard way to ask about ingredients. In sports, it's used when a ball goes into a goal: 'Gooru ni hairimashita!' (It went into the goal/It's a goal!). This wide range of applications makes it an indispensable verb for any learner living in Japan.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 入ります is confusing it with its transitive counterpart, 入れます (iremasu). Remember: Hairimasu is something that happens *to* the subject (intransitive), whereas Iremasu is something the subject *does* to an object (transitive). You 'enter' (hairu) a room, but you 'put' (ireru) a key in your pocket.

Particle Confusion: Using 'wo' instead of 'ni'. Incorrect: 'Heya wo hairimasu.' Correct: 'Heya ni hairimasu.'
Conjugation Error: Treating it as a Group 2 verb. Incorrect: 'Hairemasu' (as polite form). Correct: 'Hairimasu.'

× 砂糖を入ります (Incorrect: I enter sugar)
○ 砂糖を入れます (Correct: I put sugar in)

Another common error is using 'hairimasu' for 'to get into' a situation that requires 'norimasu' (to board). While you 'hairu' a car (physical space), you 'noru' a train or bus (transportation system). If you say 'Densha ni hairimasu,' it sounds like you are literally walking into the physical shell of a train car, perhaps for maintenance, rather than commuting.

Finally, learners often forget the 'te-iru' form when describing state. If you want to say 'There is water in the bottle,' you must use 'Mizu ga haitte imasu.' Using 'Mizu ga hairimasu' implies the water is currently in the process of entering the bottle, which sounds strange unless you are actually pouring it right then.

While 入ります is a general-purpose word, several alternatives exist depending on the nuance of 'entering' you wish to convey. Choosing the right one can make your Japanese sound more natural and precise.

参加します (Sanka shimasu): To participate. Use this for events or meetings where 'hairimasu' might sound too passive. 'Meeting ni sanka shimasu' (I will participate in the meeting).
入学します (Nyuugaku shimasu): To enter a school. This is more formal than 'Gakkou ni hairimasu' and is used in official contexts.
入社します (Nyuusha shimasu): To join a company. This is the professional equivalent of 'Kaisha ni hairimasu.'

中へ進みます (Naka e susumimasu) - To proceed inside. Used for movement through a crowd or a deep cave.

In a technical sense, if you are entering data into a computer, you might use 入力します (nyuuryoku shimasu). If you are 'entering' a country, the official term is 入国します (nyuukoku shimasu). Hairimasu is the conversational 'umbrella' term, but these specific 'Nyuu-' (入) compounds are preferred in formal or technical writing.

Lastly, consider mishiru (to see and enter) or shinnyuu (trespassing/intruding). While hairimasu is neutral, these words carry specific positive or negative connotations. For a beginner, sticking with hairimasu is safe, but as you reach A2 and B1 levels, incorporating these synonyms will greatly improve your expressive range.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for 'enter' (入) and 'person' (人) look very similar. A common mnemonic is that the 'person' (人) is standing, while the 'enter' (入) symbol looks like someone bowing to go through a small door.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /haɪ.ri.ma.sɯ/

US /haɪ.ri.mɑ.su/

The pitch usually starts high on 'ha' and drops on 'i' (Heiban or Atamadaka depending on dialect, but standard is Heiban: low-high-high-high-high).

Rhymes With

kaerimasu (to return) narimasu (to become) arimasu (to exist) shirimasu (to know) kirimasu (to cut) hashirimasu (to run) odorimasu (to dance) yurimasu (to shake)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'r' like an English 'r' (it should be a flick of the tongue).
Over-emphasizing the final 'u' in 'masu' (it should be whispered).
Confusing the pitch with 'hairimasu' (to crawl in - though the kanji is different).
Saying 'ha-i-ri-ma-su' with equal stress on all syllables.
Pronouncing 'ai' as two distinct vowels instead of a diphthong.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji 入 is very simple (2 strokes).

Writing 2/5

Very easy to write, but don't confuse it with 'person' (人).

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct particle 'ni' usage.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced, but check for 'iremasu' confusion.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

人 (Hito) - Person 部屋 (Heya) - Room に (Ni) - Particle 行きます (Ikimasu) - To go 来ます (Kimasu) - To come

Learn Next

出ます (Demasu) - To leave 入れます (Iremasu) - To put in 乗ります (Norimasu) - To board 降ります (Orimasu) - To get off 参加します (Sanka shimasu) - To participate

Advanced

潜入 (Sennyuu) - Infiltration 没入 (Botsunyuu) - Immersion 介入 (Kainyuu) - Intervention 搬入 (Hannyuu) - Carrying in 導入 (Dounyuu) - Introduction/Installation

Grammar to Know

Intransitive vs Transitive

入る (Hairu - Intransitive) vs 入れる (Ireru - Transitive)

Particle Ni for Destination

部屋に入ります (Enter the room)

Te-iru for Resultant State

本が入っています (The book is inside)

Potential Form

入れます (Hairemasu - Can enter/fit)

Volitional Form

入ろう (Hairou - Let's enter)

Examples by Level

部屋に入ります。

I enter the room.

Simple present/future polite form.

家に入ります。

I enter the house.

Particle 'ni' marks the destination.

中に入りますか？

Will you go inside?

Question form using 'ka'.

ここに入ります。

I will enter here.

Adverb 'koko' (here) with 'ni'.

田中さんが入ります。

Mr. Tanaka will enter.

Subject marked with 'ga'.

デパートに入ります。

I enter the department store.

Noun + ni + verb.

早く入ります。

I will enter quickly.

Adverb 'hayaku' modifying the verb.

一緒に入ります。

We will enter together.

Adverb 'issho ni' (together).

お風呂に入ります。

I will take a bath.

Standard phrase for bathing.

テニスクラブに入ります。

I will join the tennis club.

Using 'hairimasu' for joining an organization.

カバンに本が入っています。

There is a book in the bag.

Te-iru form showing state.

新しい会社に入ります。

I will join a new company.

Adjective 'atarashii' modifying 'kaisha'.

このスープに玉ねぎが入っていますか？

Are there onions in this soup?

Using 'hairu' for ingredients.

箱に何が入っていますか。

What is in the box?

Interrogative 'nani' (what).

保険に入ります。

I will get insurance.

Standard phrase for enrolling in insurance.

車に入ります。

I'll get in the car.

Physical entry into a vehicle.

このデザインが気に入りました。

I liked this design.

Idiom 'ki ni iru' (to like).

やっとチケットが手に入りました。

I finally got the tickets.

Idiom 'te ni hairu' (to obtain).

来週から梅雨に入ります。

We will enter the rainy season starting next week.

Entering a season/period.

この教室には５０人入ります。

This classroom holds 50 people.

Using 'hairu' to indicate capacity.

スイッチを入れると、電気が入ります。

When you turn on the switch, the power comes on.

Natural consequence using 'to' particle.

給料が銀行口座に入りました。

My salary was deposited into my bank account.

Money 'entering' an account.

彼は今、仕事に力が入っています。

He is putting a lot of effort into his work right now.

Idiom 'chikara ga hairu' (to put in effort/strength).

予定に会議が入りました。

A meeting was added to the schedule.

Abstract entry into a schedule.

新しいニュースが入りました。

New news has just come in.

Information entering a system/broadcast.

その件は私の耳に入っていません。

I haven't heard about that matter.

Idiom 'mimi ni hairu' (to hear about).

このビルは耐震設計に入っています。

This building is included in the earthquake-resistant design.

Inclusion in a plan/category.

彼は大学院に入るために勉強しています。

He is studying to enter graduate school.

Purpose clause 'tame ni'.

予算の範囲内に入ります。

It falls within the budget range.

Logical inclusion in a range.

亀裂が入っています。

There is a crack (in it).

Idiom 'kiretsu ga hairu' (to get a crack).

彼は一軍に入りました。

He made it into the first string (team).

Advancing to a higher group.

スイッチが入ったように働き始めました。

He started working as if a switch had been flipped.

Simile using 'youni'.

その小説は彼の代表作に入ります。

That novel is considered one of his masterpieces.

Categorization into a prestigious group.

交渉は最終段階に入りました。

Negotiations have entered the final stage.

Entering an abstract phase.

熱が入った議論が続きました。

The heated discussion continued.

Idiom 'netsu ga hairu' (to become enthusiastic).

その言葉は彼の胸に深く入りました。

Those words touched his heart deeply.

Metaphorical entry into the heart/mind.

彼は政治の世界に入りました。

He entered the world of politics.

Entering a professional 'world'.

この地域は国立公園に入っています。

This area is included within the national park.

Geographical/Legal inclusion.

念が入った仕事ですね。

That's a very careful/elaborate piece of work.

Idiom 'nen ga hairu' (to be careful/conscientious).

彼は悟りの境地に入りました。

He entered a state of enlightenment.

Entering a spiritual state.

歴史の闇に入り込んでしまいました。

It has become lost in the shadows of history.

Compound verb 'hairikomu' (to go deep into).

彼は完全に役に入りきっています。

He is completely immersed in his role.

Auxiliary verb '-kiru' (to do completely).

その家系には高貴な血が入っています。

Noble blood runs in that family line.

Metaphorical inclusion of lineage.

議論に横槍が入りました。

An interruption was made in the discussion.

Idiom 'yokoyari ga hairu' (to interrupt/butt in).

冬の気配が入り混じっています。

Hints of winter are beginning to mix in.

Compound verb 'hairimajiru' (to be mixed).

彼の言葉には皮肉が入っています。

There is a touch of irony in his words.

Abstract inclusion of tone/intent.

この計画には修正が入る予定です。

This plan is scheduled to undergo revisions.

Passive-like use of 'hairu' for edits.

その職人の魂が入った逸品です。

It is a masterpiece into which the craftsman's soul has entered.

Spiritual/Artistic infusion.

Common Collocations

お風呂に入る

大学に入る

クラブに入る

気に入る

保険に入る

手に入る

耳に入る

スイッチが入る

目に入る

仲間に入る

Common Phrases

中に入ってください

— Please come inside. Used as a polite invitation.

どうぞ、中に入ってください。

お風呂に入ってきます

— I'm going to take a bath (and come back).

先に、お風呂に入ってきます。

予定が入っています

— I have plans / Something is on my schedule.

明日は予定が入っています。

気合が入っています

— To be fired up or very motivated.

彼は今日の試合、気合が入っています。

力が入る

— To put strength into something or become tense.

肩に力が入っていますよ。

話に入る

— To join a conversation.

二人の話に入ります。

ニュースが入る

— News comes in.

新しいニュースが入りました。

店に入る

— To go into a shop.

あそこの店に入りましょう。

雨が入る

— Rain gets in (through a window, etc.).

窓から雨が入ります。

亀裂が入る

— A crack appears / A relationship becomes strained.

二人の仲に亀裂が入りました。

Often Confused With

入ります vs 入れます (Iremasu)

This is the transitive form. Use it when YOU put something in. Use 'hairimasu' when something enters on its own.

入ります vs 乗ります (Norimasu)

Use 'norimasu' for public transport (trains, buses). Use 'hairimasu' for cars or buildings.

入ります vs 通ります (Toorimasu)

This means to pass through, while 'hairimasu' means to go in and stay (or reach a destination).

Idioms & Expressions

"気に入る (Ki ni iru)"

— To like something. Literally 'to enter the spirit.'

この映画は気に入りましたか？

Neutral

"手に入る (Te ni hairu)"

— To obtain or get hold of something. Literally 'to enter the hand.'

限定品が手に入りました。

Neutral

"耳に入る (Mimi ni hairu)"

— To happen to hear something. Literally 'to enter the ear.'

彼の結婚の話が耳に入りました。

Neutral

"目に入る (Me ni hairu)"

— To catch one's eye. Literally 'to enter the eye.'

美しい景色が目に入りました。

Neutral

"念が入る (Nen ga hairu)"

— To be very careful or elaborate. Literally 'to have care entered.'

念が入った料理です。

Polite

"熱が入る (Netsu ga hairu)"

— To become enthusiastic or heated. Literally 'to have heat enter.'

演説に熱が入ります。

Neutral

"力が入る (Chikara ga hairu)"

— To be enthusiastic or to exert physical strength.

応援に力が入ります。

Neutral

"悦に入る (Etsu ni iru)"

— To be self-satisfied or pleased with oneself.

彼は自分の成功に悦に入っています。

Literary

"横槍が入る (Yokoyari ga hairu)"

— To be interrupted by a third party. Literally 'a side-spear enters.'

会議に横槍が入りました。

Neutral

"堂に入る (Dou ni iru)"

— To be well-practiced or professional. Literally 'to enter the hall.'

彼女の演技は堂に入っています。

Polite

Easily Confused

入ります vs 入る (Hairu) vs 居る (Iru)

Both start with 'I' sound in some forms.

Hairu is movement (enter); Iru is existence (to be/stay).

部屋に入る (Enter) vs 部屋に居る (Be in).

入ります vs 入れる (Ireru) vs 入る (Hairu)

Transitive/Intransitive pair.

Ireru is 'to put in'; Hairu is 'to enter'.

砂糖を入れる vs 砂糖が入る.

入ります vs 入る (Hairu) vs 走る (Hashiru)

Similar sounds.

Hairu is enter; Hashiru is run.

中に入る vs 外を走る.

入ります vs 入る (Hairu) vs 要る (Iru)

Both can be 'Irimasu' in polite form.

Hairu is enter; Iru is 'to need'.

部屋に入る vs お金が要る.

入ります vs 入る (Hairu) vs 参る (Mairu)

Both involve movement.

Hairu is enter; Mairu is humble 'go/come'.

中に入る vs こちらへ参る.

Sentence Patterns

[Place] に入ります。

部屋に入ります。

[Organization] に入ります。

クラブに入ります。

[Container] に [Object] が入っています。

箱に猫が入っています。

[Object] が気に入りました。

この服が気に入りました。

[Object] が手に入りました。

チケットが手に入りました。

[Information] が入りました。

ニュースが入りました。

[Abstract] に力が入ります。

応援に力が入ります。

[Abstract State] に入ります。

最終段階に入ります。

Word Family

Nouns

入口 (Iriguchi) - Entrance

入学 (Nyuugaku) - School entry

入社 (Nyuusha) - Company entry

入会 (Nyuukai) - Joining a society

入国 (Nyuukoku) - Country entry

Verbs

入る (Hairu) - Dictionary form

入れる (Ireru) - To put in (transitive)

入り込む (Hairikomu) - To go into

立ち入る (Tachi-iru) - To trespass

入れ替える (Ireekaeru) - To replace/swap

Adjectives

入り組んだ (Irikunda) - Complicated/intricate

中 (Naka) - Inside

内 (Uchi) - Inside/Home

外 (Soto) - Outside

出る (Deru) - To exit

入れる (Ireru) - To insert

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high. It is one of the essential verbs for daily survival in Japan.

Common Mistakes

Heya wo hairimasu. → Heya ni hairimasu.
'Hairimasu' is intransitive and requires the destination particle 'ni'.
Sato ga iremasu. → Sato ga hairimasu.
If the sugar is already in the coffee, use 'hairu' (intransitive). 'Iremasu' is the action of putting it in.
Densha ni hairimasu. → Densha ni norimasu.
Use 'norimasu' for boarding public transportation.
Ki ni hairimasu. → Ki ni irimasu.
The idiom for 'to like' uses the reading 'iru', though the kanji is the same (気に入る).
Hairemasu (as polite form). → Hairimasu.
'Hairemasu' is the potential form (can enter). The polite form is 'hairimasu'.

Tips

Particle Ni

Always remember 'Place + Ni + Hairimasu'. It's the most stable pattern for this verb.

The Bath

In Japan, you don't 'take' a bath, you 'enter' (hairu) it. It's a deep cultural immersion.

Idiom: Ki ni iru

This is the most common way to say you like an object or design. Practice it often!

Restaurant Tip

Use 'Hairemasu ka?' when entering a busy restaurant to ask if they have a table.

Kanji Nuance

The kanji 入 is used for things coming in. The opposite is 出 (exit).

Breaking News

When you hear 'Jouhou ga hairimashita', pay attention—something important just happened.

Joining Groups

Use 'hairimasu' for clubs, companies, and insurance plans. It's very versatile.

The Silent U

Keep the 'u' in 'masu' very short, almost like 'ma-ss'.

Avoid 'Wo'

Never say 'Heya wo hairimasu'. It's always 'Heya ni hairimasu'.

Potential Form

Learn 'hairemasu' to talk about capacity and whether things can fit.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'HI-RE' (like a hire). When you get HIRED, you ENTER the company (Hairimasu).

Visual Association

Imagine a person bowing their head to ENTER (入) a low doorway in a traditional Japanese tea house.

Word Web

Room Bath Club Company Ingredients Pocket Schedule Insurance

Challenge

Try to use 'hairimasu' for five different things today: a room, a container, a group, a feeling (ki ni iru), and a bath.

Word Origin

The word 'hairu' comes from Old Japanese. It is a native Japanese word (kun-yomi). The kanji 入 is a pictograph representing a person entering a gate or a downward stroke indicating 'inward.'

Original meaning: The core meaning has always been the movement from a larger, open space into a smaller, enclosed one.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'hairimasu' with people's private lives; 'tachi-iru' (to intrude) can be rude.

In English, we 'take' a bath or 'join' a club. In Japanese, you 'enter' both. This can be confusing for beginners.

Irasshaimase! (Welcome/Please enter) - The most famous greeting in Japanese commerce. The 'Genkan' - The physical space where 'entering' begins. Sentō (Public baths) - Where everyone 'hairimasu' together.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

何人入れますか？
店に入りましょう。
予約が入っています。
メニューに名前が入っています。

At School

教室に入ります。
クラブに入ります。
大学に入りたいです。
テストの範囲に入ります。

At Home

お風呂に入ります。
こたつに入ります。
布団に入ります。
家に入ってください。

At the Office

会議室に入ります。
会社に入ります。
予定が入りました。
保険に入ります。

Shopping

カバンに入りますか？
これが気に入りました。
お釣りが入っています。
箱に入れますか？ (Wait, that's 'ireru')

Conversation Starters

"どのクラブに入りますか？ (Which club will you join?)"

"もうお風呂に入りましたか？ (Have you already taken a bath?)"

"このレストランに入りませんか？ (Won't you enter this restaurant with me?)"

"何がカバンに入っていますか？ (What is in your bag?)"

"日本でどの大学に入りたいですか？ (Which university do you want to enter in Japan?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、新しく入った予定について書いてください。 (Write about a new plan that entered your schedule today.)

あなたが一番気に入っている物は何ですか？ (What is the thing you like/has entered your spirit the most?)

最近、手に入れた物について教えてください。 (Tell me about something you obtained/entered your hand recently.)

いつお風呂に入りますか？ (When do you usually take a bath?)

将来、どんな会社に入りたいですか？ (What kind of company do you want to join in the future?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, no. You should use 'norimasu' (to board). 'Densha ni hairimasu' sounds like you are entering the physical metal structure for maintenance.

'Hairimasu' is conversational and general. 'Nyuugaku shimasu' is formal and specifically for schools. Both are correct.

It is a Group 1 (Godan) verb. Even though it ends in '-iru', it conjugates as 'hairanai', 'hairimasu', 'hairu', 'haireba', 'hairou'.

Use the idiom 'Ki ni irimasu' (Polite: Ki ni irimashita for 'I liked it').

You would say 'Kagi ga hairimasu' (The key enters/fits), but if you are doing the action, use 'Kagi wo iremasu' (I put the key in).

Yes, in the potential form 'hairemasu', it often means 'can fit' (e.g., '10 people can fit in this car').

It is a more polite, honorific way of saying 'Haitte kudasai' (Please enter).

Yes, 'Hanashi ni hairimasu' is a common way to say you are joining a discussion.

Almost always use 'ni'. It indicates the destination or the container.

Not directly. You say 'Suitchi ga hairimasu' (The switch turns on/power enters) or 'Denki ga hairimasu' (The light/electricity comes on).