In 15 Seconds
- Use it for typing passwords or data into devices.
- Combines 'transport' and 'enter' for a digital flow.
- Common in daily tech interactions like Wi-Fi or payments.
Meaning
It describes the act of typing or putting information into a device. Think of it as 'feeding' data into a computer, phone, or even a mental system.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a coffee shop
请在这里输入Wi-Fi密码。
Please input the Wi-Fi password here.
Helping a colleague
你需要输入你的用户名。
You need to enter your username.
Texting a friend about a slow app
这个APP输入文字很慢。
This app is very slow at inputting text.
Cultural Background
The term skyrocketed in popularity with the rise of the 'Input Method Editor' (IME) in China. Because Chinese characters aren't on a standard keyboard, 'inputting' became a unique cultural skill involving pinyin or strokes. It highlights the bridge between traditional script and modern technology.
The 'Input Method' Secret
If you want to talk about your keyboard software, always use `输入法`. It's a great conversation starter to ask Chinese friends which one they use!
Not for Doors
Never use `输入` to mean entering a building. Use `进入` for physical spaces and `输入` for digital spaces.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it for typing passwords or data into devices.
- Combines 'transport' and 'enter' for a digital flow.
- Common in daily tech interactions like Wi-Fi or payments.
What It Means
输入 is your go-to word for anything involving data entry. It combines 输 (to transport) and 入 (to enter). Imagine water flowing into a pipe. In the digital age, it is how you talk about typing. Whether it is a password or a long essay, you are 'transporting' it into the machine.
How To Use It
Use it as a verb when you are at a keyboard. You will often see it followed by a noun like 密码 (password) or 文字 (text). It is very straightforward. You do not need complex grammar. Just say 输入 + [the thing you are typing]. It is like the English word 'input' but used much more often in daily life.
When To Use It
You will use this constantly in modern China. Use it when helping a friend connect to Wi-Fi. Use it when a delivery driver needs your code. It is essential for office work too. If you are at a bank, the teller will ask you to 输入密码. It is the heartbeat of the digital world.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 输入 for physical objects. You do not 输入 a key into a lock. That would be 插 (insert). Also, do not use it for 'entering' a room. That is 进入. If you are just 'writing' by hand, use 写. 输入 implies a digital or systemic interface. Don't try to 输入 your dinner into your mouth either!
Cultural Background
China is a mobile-first society. Everything from paying for vegetables to renting bikes involves digital 'input'. The phrase has evolved with technology. In the past, it was a technical term. Now, even grandmas use it while using WeChat. It represents China's rapid shift into a paperless, code-driven daily life.
Common Variations
You will often see 输入法 (input method). This refers to the software used to type Chinese characters. Everyone has a favorite 输入法. Some like pinyin, others like handwriting. If someone says your 输入 is slow, they are probably teasing your typing speed. It is a very common point of conversation among tech-savvy friends.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and works in both formal and informal digital contexts. It is the standard term for data entry and is rarely replaced by synonyms in tech scenarios.
The 'Input Method' Secret
If you want to talk about your keyboard software, always use `输入法`. It's a great conversation starter to ask Chinese friends which one they use!
Not for Doors
Never use `输入` to mean entering a building. Use `进入` for physical spaces and `输入` for digital spaces.
Abstract Input
In modern Chinese, `输入` is also used in education to mean 'absorbing knowledge' (input) vs `输出` (output/speaking).
Examples
6请在这里输入Wi-Fi密码。
Please input the Wi-Fi password here.
A very standard way to ask someone to type a code.
你需要输入你的用户名。
You need to enter your username.
Used in a professional but helpful tech context.
这个APP输入文字很慢。
This app is very slow at inputting text.
Refers to the performance of the software.
我输入了半天，结果没联网！
I spent ages typing, only to find I wasn't online!
Expressing frustration over a relatable digital mishap.
请在键盘上输入您的支付密码。
Please enter your payment password on the keypad.
Formal instruction from a service professional.
学习语言需要大量的语言输入。
Learning a language requires a lot of language input.
A more abstract use meaning 'absorbing' information.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence regarding a password.
请在手机上___你的验证码。
`输入` is the specific term for entering digital codes like a verification code (验证码).
Which word fits best for typing text into a computer?
我在电脑上___文字。
`输入` is the standard verb for data entry or typing text into a digital device.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '输入'
Telling a friend to type a code.
输入一下密码。
General daily use with tech.
输入用户名。
Official instructions or banking.
请输入您的个人信息。
Where to use '输入'
ATM/Bank
Enter PIN
Office
Data Entry
Home
Wi-Fi Password
Phone
Texting/Apps
Practice Bank
2 exercises请在手机上___你的验证码。
`输入` is the specific term for entering digital codes like a verification code (验证码).
我在电脑上___文字。
`输入` is the standard verb for data entry or typing text into a digital device.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. If you are using a pen, use 写 (xiě). Use 输入 only if you are typing it into a computer or phone.
No, it's for any device where you enter data, including phones, ATMs, and even smart microwave panels.
The opposite is 输出 (shūchū), which means 'output'. It's used for printers or data results.
Yes, it's a neutral term. Just add 请 (qǐng) at the beginning to be polite: 请输入.
You can say 打字 (dǎzì), which literally means 'hit characters'. 输入 is broader, covering codes and data too.
Yes, it can mean 'the input' itself, such as in the phrase 语言输入 (language input).
It's not really slang, but using it in non-tech contexts (like 'inputting' food) is a common nerdy joke.
In very casual settings, people might just say 输 (shū), like 输密码 (enter the password).
It is the 'Input Method Editor' (IME). It's the software that turns your pinyin typing into Chinese characters.
Yes, that is its most common use! 输入密码 (shūrù mìmǎ) is a phrase you will hear every day.
Related Phrases
打字 (To type)
输出 (Output)
密码 (Password)
验证码 (Verification code)
键盘 (Keyboard)
