In 15 Seconds
- Used specifically for checking into hotels, hostels, or temporary lodgings.
- Combines 'enter' (入) and 'stay/dwell' (住) for a clear meaning.
- Commonly paired with 'handle' (办理) in professional service contexts.
Meaning
This is the standard term for checking into a hotel or any place where you'll be staying overnight. It literally means 'entering' and 'dwelling' in a space.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a hotel front desk
你好，我想办理入住。
Hello, I would like to check in.
Asking about hotel policy
请问几点可以入住？
Excuse me, what time can I check in?
Texting a friend about arrival
我已经入住酒店了，等下见！
I've already checked into the hotel, see you later!
Cultural Background
Hotels require ID registration for all guests.
Remember the tone
Both characters are 4th tone, so it sounds very decisive.
In 15 Seconds
- Used specifically for checking into hotels, hostels, or temporary lodgings.
- Combines 'enter' (入) and 'stay/dwell' (住) for a clear meaning.
- Commonly paired with 'handle' (办理) in professional service contexts.
What It Means
入住 is your go-to word for the moment you officially start your stay. It is the formal process of getting your room key. Think of it as crossing the threshold from traveler to guest. It is much more specific than just 'arriving.'
How To Use It
You usually put the time or the place around it. You can say 入住酒店 to mean 'checking into the hotel.' If you are talking about the time, say 下午两点入住. It works as both a verb and a noun. It is simple, clean, and very common.
When To Use It
Use this at the front desk of a hotel or hostel. Use it when booking an Airbnb online. Use it when telling your friends what time you'll be settled. It is perfect for travel itineraries and business trips. It feels professional yet standard for everyday life.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for just visiting a friend's house for dinner. Don't use it for moving into a permanent apartment you bought. For moving house, use 搬家. 入住 implies a temporary or official 'staying' status. Also, don't use it for checking in at an airport; that is 值机.
Cultural Background
In China, the 入住 process is quite strict. You will always be asked for your ID or passport immediately. This comes from the 'hukou' system of registration. Even locals must show their ID cards to 入住. It is a seamless but very official part of Chinese travel culture.
Common Variations
You might hear 办理入住, which means 'to handle the check-in procedure.' This is what the receptionist will say to you. Another one is 入住率, which refers to the occupancy rate of a hotel. If a hotel is full, they have a high 入住率!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and works in all levels of hotels. Avoid using it for flights or casual visits to a friend's home.
Remember the tone
Both characters are 4th tone, so it sounds very decisive.
Examples
6你好，我想办理入住。
Hello, I would like to check in.
Adding '办理' (bànlǐ) makes it sound more like you are starting the official process.
请问几点可以入住？
Excuse me, what time can I check in?
A essential phrase for any traveler to avoid waiting in the lobby.
我已经入住酒店了，等下见！
I've already checked into the hotel, see you later!
Using '了' indicates the action is completed.
入住日期是十月一号。
The check-in date is October 1st.
Here it acts as a noun/adjective describing the date.
酒店太漂亮了，我都不想退房，只想永久入住！
The hotel is so beautiful, I don't want to check out, I just want to move in forever!
Using '入住' for a 'permanent' stay is a playful exaggeration.
王经理已经顺利入住。
Manager Wang has successfully checked in.
Formal reporting of a guest's status.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
我下午三点去酒店_____。
入住 is the correct term for checking into a hotel.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises我下午三点去酒店_____。
入住 is the correct term for checking into a hotel.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use {做客|zuòkè} instead.
Related Phrases
退房
contrastCheck out
