Inklingo

How to Say "enter" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “enter” is “entren” — use 'entren' for the general physical act of moving into a place, suitable for most informal and neutral situations..

English → Spanish

entren

EN-tren/ˈen.tɾen/

verbA1
Use 'entren' for the general physical act of moving into a place, suitable for most informal and neutral situations.
A cartoon character stepping through an open red doorway, illustrating the action of entering.

Examples

Esperamos que los invitados entren pronto.

We hope the guests enter soon (or: come in soon).

Por favor, señores, entren y tomen asiento.

Please, ladies and gentlemen, come in and take a seat.

Necesito que ellos entren en razón antes de firmar.

I need them to see reason (come to their senses) before signing.

Subjunctive Use

When 'entren' is used after verbs of wishing or commanding (like 'querer' or 'pedir'), it is the special verb form used for 'they' or 'you all (formal)'.

Formal Command

'¡Entren!' is the polite, formal way to tell a group of people ('ustedes') to come in. It is used just like a direct order.

Confusing Command Forms

Mistake: “Using *¡Entran!* instead of *¡Entren!* for a formal command.”

Correction: For formal commands ('usted' or 'ustedes'), Spanish switches the vowel, so the correct command is '¡Entren!'

pasen

/PAH-sen//ˈpa.sen/

verbA1formal
Use 'pasen' as a more formal command, inviting a group of people to come in or pass through a doorway.
A well-dressed figure stands at an open doorway, formally extending a hand in a welcoming gesture, inviting three people who are stepping across the threshold to enter the room.

Examples

Pasen, por favor. Estamos listos para empezar la reunión.

Come in, please. We are ready to start the meeting.

¡Pasen! No se queden en la puerta.

Enter! Don't stay in the doorway.

Formal Group Command

This form, 'pasen,' is used when you are giving a command to a group of people you address formally (ustedes). It is polite and respectful.

The 'AR' Rule

For commands to formal groups ('ustedes'), Spanish uses the verb form that ends in '-en' (for 'ar' verbs like pasar).

Confusing Formal and Informal

Mistake: “Using 'pasáis' when speaking to a formal group of adults.”

Correction: Use 'Pasen' (formal group command) for respect. 'Pasáis' is only used in Spain for informal groups ('vosotros').

Choosing Between 'Entren' and 'Pasen'

Learners often confuse 'entren' and 'pasen' because both can mean 'come in'. Remember that 'pasen' is typically used as a polite, formal invitation to enter, especially when addressing multiple people.

Related Translations

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