входить vs зайти
vkhodit vs zayti — enter regularly/in progress vs go in or drop by once
Register: neutral
What it really means
Входить is imperfective: enter as a process, habit, or general movement. Зайти is perfective and means go in once, often make a brief stop somewhere. Both use в + accusative for the destination; зайти can also take к + dative for dropping by a person.
Examples in natural speech
Он входит в комнату.
He is entering the room.
Не входите без стука.
Do not enter without knocking.
Зайди в магазин.
Go into the shop.
Я зайду к тебе вечером.
I will drop by this evening.
Она зашла на минуту.
She came in for a minute.
Common mistakes
Входить is not the ordinary perfective partner of зайти; войти is. Зайти adds the idea of going in or stopping by once, often briefly.
Memory tip
Зайти often means go in “on the way” or drop by.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between входить and зайти?
Входить describes entering in progress or regularly. Зайти is one entry, often a brief visit.
How do you say drop by?
Say “зайти к кому-то”: “Зайди ко мне.”
What case follows зайти к?
Use the dative: к другу, ко мне, к врачу.
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