进 vs 入 (jìn vs rù): entering physically vs formally
进 is a free-standing verb meaning 'to enter' a physical space, e.g., 进门 (enter a door). 入 is a bound morpheme used in formal or abstract compounds, e.g., 入学 (enroll in school), and cannot stand alone as a verb. Understanding this grammatical difference prevents common errors like using 入 as a standalone verb.
进 and 入 both convey the idea of 'entering,' but they differ fundamentally in grammatical status and usage. 进 is a free morpheme that functions as an independent verb for physical entry, while 入 is a bound morpheme that must combine with other elements to form words, often in formal or abstract contexts. In modern Mandarin, 入 cannot be used alone as a verb; learners should default to 进 for physical spaces and use compounds like 进入, 加入, or 输入 for other meanings.
When to use each
Use 进 as a standalone verb to indicate physically entering a concrete location, such as 进房间 (enter a room) or 进学校 (enter a school). 进 also functions as a directional complement after verbs of motion, e.g., 走进来 (walk in). It is the default, everyday verb for physical entry.
Use 入 in formal or abstract compounds, such as 加入 (join), 输入 (input), 入学 (enroll in school), or 进入 (enter into). 入 is a bound morpheme and cannot stand alone as a verb in modern Chinese. It often appears in technical, official, or classical contexts.
In classical Chinese or fixed expressions like 入乡随俗 (when in Rome, do as the Romans do), 入 may appear alone, but such usage is exceptional in modern Mandarin.
At a glance
| 进 | 入 | |
|---|---|---|
| Grammatical status | Free morpheme (independent verb) | Bound morpheme (must combine) |
| Typical use | Physical entry into a place | Formal/abstract entry or participation |
| Example phrase | 进房间 jìn fángjiān 'enter the room' | 入学 rùxué 'enroll in school' |
| Directional complement | Can follow verbs like 走, 跑 (e.g., 走进来) | Not used as a directional complement |
| Negation | 不进去 bù jìnqù 'not go in' | Cannot be negated alone; use compounds like 不加入 |
Examples
- 进进房间前先敲门。Jìn fángjiān qián xiān qiāomén.Knock before entering the room.
- 进他走进来了。Tā zǒu jìnlái le.He walked in.进 is used as a directional complement.
- 入今年九月我入学。Jīnnián jiǔyuè wǒ rùxué.I will enroll in school this September.
- 入请加入我们的群聊。Qǐng jiārù wǒmen de qúnliáo.Please join our group chat.入 is part of the compound 加入.
- 入不要错误地说“入房间”，应该说“进房间”。Bùyào cuòwù de shuō “rù fángjiān”, yīnggāi shuō “jìn fángjiān”.Don't mistakenly say 'rù fángjiān'; you should say 'jìn fángjiān'.✗ Wrong use; correct is 进.
- 入数据输入完成。Shùjù shūrù wánchéng.Data input is complete.In technical contexts.
Common mistakes
- Using 入 as a standalone verb to mean 'enter a place', e.g., 入房间 → should be 进房间.
- Confusing 进入 (jìnrù, a formal compound) with 进; overusing 进入 in casual speech sounds stiff.
- Using 进 in abstract contexts like 'join a club' instead of 加入.
- Negating 入 alone (e.g., 不入) instead of using compounds like 不加入.
FAQ
- When do I use 进 vs 入?
- Use 进 for physically entering a place (e.g., 进门, 进公园). Use 入 in formal or abstract compounds like 加入 (join), 输入 (input), or 入学 (enroll). 入 cannot stand alone as a verb.
- Can 入 be used alone in modern Chinese?
- No, 入 is a bound morpheme; it always appears with other characters (e.g., 进入, 入学). An exception is in some set phrases from classical Chinese, like 入乡随俗.
- Is 进入 interchangeable with 进?
- 进入 is a more formal compound meaning 'enter into', while 进 is the everyday verb for physical entry. They are not always interchangeable: in casual speech, 进 is preferred; in formal writing, 进入 may be used.
- What about 入 in directional complements?
- Directional complements use 进, not 入. For example, 走进来 (walk in) is correct, but 走入来 is ungrammatical in modern Mandarin.