входить vs войти

vkhodit vs voyti — enter regularly/in progress vs enter once

What it really means

Входи́ть is imperfective and describes entering as an action in progress, a repeated action, or a general possibility. Войти́ is perfective and presents one entry as completed. The prefix в-/во- means into, so the pair is a useful example of how the same prefix combines with two aspect forms.

Use входить for a routine or an instruction about the process: "Он входит в комнату" (He is entering the room). Use войти when the person gets inside once: "Он вошёл в комнату" (He entered the room).

Examples in natural speech

Она входит в класс.
She is entering the classroom.
В этот музей можно входить бесплатно.
You can enter this museum for free.
Войдите, пожалуйста.
Please come in.
Он вошёл в комнату без стука.
He entered the room without knocking.
Пароль не позволяет войти.
The password does not allow you to log in.

Common mistakes

Do not translate войти as only physical entry. It also means log in, enter a system, or fit into a category. Do not use входить for every one-time entry: войти is the natural perfective form when the person has successfully got inside.

Memory tip

В- points inward; входить shows entering, войти shows getting in.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between входить and войти?

Входить is imperfective for entering as a process, habit, or general possibility. Войти is perfective for one completed entry.

How do you say come in in Russian?

Use the polite imperative "Войдите, пожалуйста." It is perfective because you are inviting one successful entry.

Can войти mean log in?

Yes. Войти в аккаунт or войти в систему means log in or enter an account/system.

Note: This site uses JavaScript for interactive drills, audio playback, and progress tracking. Please enable JavaScript for the full experience.