输入

• Pinyin: shū rù
• Hanzi breakdown: 输 = 车 (vehicle) + 俞 (phonetic); 入 = pictograph of entering

Meaning

To input; to enter (data). Refers to typing or entering information into a device or system.

Commonly used in technology contexts: inputting text, data, or passwords. Also used for importing goods or introducing ideas from outside. The opposite is 输出 (output/export).

Examples

1. 请输入你的密码。 Please enter your password.
2. 他正在往电脑里输入数据。 He is inputting data into the computer.
3. 这个输入法用起来很方便。 This input method is very convenient to use.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, computing, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请输入正确的手机号码。(Please enter the correct phone number.)
• 你可以用拼音输入中文。(You can use pinyin to input Chinese characters.)

Don't Say

• 请输入这个房间。(Don't use 输入 for physically entering a room — use 进入 instead. 输入 is for entering data or information.)

Origin & History

输 (to transport/convey) + 入 (to enter). Literally 'to transport in', meaning to bring information into a system.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal