How to Say "to enter" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to enter” is “entrar” — use 'entrar' when referring to the general act of physically going into a place, like a room, building, or country.
entrar
en-TRARenˈtɾaɾ
Examples
Por favor, entra y siéntate.
Please, come in and sit down.
Los estudiantes entran en la clase a las ocho.
The students enter the classroom at eight.
¿Podemos entrar por la puerta de atrás?
Can we go in through the back door?
Which Word to Use After 'Entrar'?
When you say you're entering a place, you usually need to add 'en' or 'a' right after 'entrar'. For example, 'Entro en la tienda' (I enter the store). Using 'en' is very common everywhere, while 'a' is also frequently used, especially in Latin America.
Forgetting 'en' or 'a'
Mistake: “Voy a entrar la casa.”
Correction: Voy a entrar en la casa. (or 'a la casa'). In English, you 'enter the house,' but in Spanish, you need that little word 'en' or 'a' to connect the action to the place.
pasar
pa-sarpaˈsaɾ
Examples
¡Hola! Por favor, pasa, estás en tu casa.
Hello! Please, come in, make yourself at home.
El profesor nos dijo que podíamos pasar al aula.
The teacher told us we could enter the classroom.
ingresar
een-greh-sahriŋɡɾeˈsaɾ
Examples
Mi abuelo tuvo que ingresar en el hospital ayer.
My grandfather had to be admitted to the hospital yesterday.
Para ingresar en esta universidad, necesitas aprobar un examen.
To enter this university, you need to pass an exam.
El paciente ingresó por la zona de urgencias.
The patient entered through the emergency area.
Use 'en' for locations
Unlike the English 'to enter the hospital,' Spanish usually requires the word 'en' (in) after ingresar: 'Ingresar en el hospital'.
Ingresar vs. Entrar
Mistake: “Using 'ingresar' to walk into a bedroom.”
Correction: Use 'entrar' for casual rooms. 'Ingresar' is for formal enrollment or medical admission.
penetrar
peh-neh-TRARpeneˈtɾaɾ
Examples
La lluvia logró penetrar en el techo de la cabaña.
The rain managed to penetrate the roof of the cabin.
La luz del sol penetra a través de las cortinas.
The sunlight pierces through the curtains.
Nuestra empresa quiere penetrar en el mercado asiático.
Our company wants to enter the Asian market.
Using 'en' with Places
When talking about entering a physical space or a market, you almost always need to use the word 'en' after 'penetrar'.
A Stronger 'Entrar'
Think of 'penetrar' as a stronger version of 'entrar'. It implies going deep inside or having to push through a barrier.
Forgetting 'en'
Mistake: “Penetrar el edificio.”
Correction: Penetrar en el edificio. In Spanish, we usually 'penetrate IN' a place.
Entrar vs. Ingresar
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.