Translation guide
The English word 'insert' refers to putting something into something else. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 入れる (ireru), but the best choice depends on what is being inserted and where. This guide covers physical insertion, data entry, and figurative uses.
コインを入れてください。
Insert a coin.
カードを差し込んでください。
Insert your card.
Physically placing an object into an opening, holder, or container.
General verb for putting something in. Works for most physical insertions.
コインを入れてください。
Please insert a coin.
カードをスロットに入れる。
Insert the card into the slot.
Emphasizes sliding or plugging something into a tight-fitting opening, like a plug or a card.
プラグをコンセントに差し込む。
Insert the plug into the outlet.
Formal or technical term for insertion, often used in medical or mechanical contexts.
カテーテルを挿入する。
Insert a catheter.
Typing or pasting content into a digital form, document, or database.
Standard term for entering data, text, or commands into a computer or form.
パスワードを入力してください。
Please insert your password.
データを入力する。
Insert data.
Used in software menus for 'Insert' (e.g., inserting a row or image). More formal than 入れる.
行を挿入する。
Insert a row.
Casual way to say 'put in' data, often used in conversation.
Adding a remark, comment, or clause into speech or writing.
To interject a comment or insert a clause. Often used for interrupting with a remark.
彼は話に冗談を差し挟んだ。
He inserted a joke into the conversation.
Casually adding a word or phrase.
一言入れてもいい？
Can I insert a quick comment?
Formal, for inserting clauses or quotations in writing.
引用文を挿入する。
Insert a quotation.
入れる is the most general 'put in'. 差し込む implies sliding into a narrow opening (like a card or plug). 挿入する is formal/technical (medical, software menus).
In software, the menu command 'Insert' is usually 挿入. Using 入れる might sound odd in that context.
Please insert your name here.