入住
To check in
Literally: Enter and stay
Use `入住` for hotel check-ins; it is the official bridge between arriving and staying.
In 15 Seconds
- Used specifically for checking into hotels, hostels, or temporary lodgings.
- Combines 'enter' (入) and 'stay/dwell' (住) for a clear meaning.
- Commonly paired with 'handle' (办理) in professional service contexts.
Meaning
This is the standard term for checking into a hotel or any place where you'll be staying overnight. It literally means 'entering' and 'dwelling' in a space.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a hotel front desk
你好，我想办理入住。
Hello, I would like to check in.
Asking about hotel policy
请问几点可以入住？
Excuse me, what time can I check in?
Texting a friend about arrival
我已经入住酒店了，等下见！
I've already checked into the hotel, see you later!
Cultural Background
The term reflects China's organized approach to hospitality and residency. Historically, guest houses were tightly regulated, and today, the digital integration of '入住' with apps like WeChat or Alipay makes the process nearly instant. It highlights the transition from being an outsider to a registered guest.
The 'Handover' Phrase
When you arrive, just say 'Bànlǐ rùzhù' (办理入住). It makes you sound like a pro who knows exactly how the system works.
Don't use it at the Airport
Even though we say 'check in' for flights in English, Chinese uses 'zhíjī' (值机) for planes. Using 'rùzhù' at the gate will get you some very confused looks!
In 15 Seconds
- Used specifically for checking into hotels, hostels, or temporary lodgings.
- Combines 'enter' (入) and 'stay/dwell' (住) for a clear meaning.
- Commonly paired with 'handle' (办理) in professional service contexts.
What It Means
入住 is your go-to word for the moment you officially start your stay. It is the formal process of getting your room key. Think of it as crossing the threshold from traveler to guest. It is much more specific than just 'arriving.'
How To Use It
You usually put the time or the place around it. You can say 入住酒店 to mean 'checking into the hotel.' If you are talking about the time, say 下午两点入住. It works as both a verb and a noun. It is simple, clean, and very common.
When To Use It
Use this at the front desk of a hotel or hostel. Use it when booking an Airbnb online. Use it when telling your friends what time you'll be settled. It is perfect for travel itineraries and business trips. It feels professional yet standard for everyday life.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for just visiting a friend's house for dinner. Don't use it for moving into a permanent apartment you bought. For moving house, use 搬家. 入住 implies a temporary or official 'staying' status. Also, don't use it for checking in at an airport; that is 值机.
Cultural Background
In China, the 入住 process is quite strict. You will always be asked for your ID or passport immediately. This comes from the 'hukou' system of registration. Even locals must show their ID cards to 入住. It is a seamless but very official part of Chinese travel culture.
Common Variations
You might hear 办理入住, which means 'to handle the check-in procedure.' This is what the receptionist will say to you. Another one is 入住率, which refers to the occupancy rate of a hotel. If a hotel is full, they have a high 入住率!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and works in all levels of hotels. Avoid using it for flights or casual visits to a friend's home.
The 'Handover' Phrase
When you arrive, just say 'Bànlǐ rùzhù' (办理入住). It makes you sound like a pro who knows exactly how the system works.
Don't use it at the Airport
Even though we say 'check in' for flights in English, Chinese uses 'zhíjī' (值机) for planes. Using 'rùzhù' at the gate will get you some very confused looks!
The ID Secret
In China, you can often '入住' using a digital ID on your phone via WeChat, but as a foreigner, you MUST have your physical passport. No exceptions!
Examples
6你好，我想办理入住。
Hello, I would like to check in.
Adding '办理' (bànlǐ) makes it sound more like you are starting the official process.
请问几点可以入住？
Excuse me, what time can I check in?
A essential phrase for any traveler to avoid waiting in the lobby.
我已经入住酒店了，等下见！
I've already checked into the hotel, see you later!
Using '了' indicates the action is completed.
入住日期是十月一号。
The check-in date is October 1st.
Here it acts as a noun/adjective describing the date.
酒店太漂亮了，我都不想退房，只想永久入住！
The hotel is so beautiful, I don't want to check out, I just want to move in forever!
Using '入住' for a 'permanent' stay is a playful exaggeration.
王经理已经顺利入住。
Manager Wang has successfully checked in.
Formal reporting of a guest's status.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the hotel request.
我想___这间酒店。
'入住' is the specific term for staying in a hotel, whereas '进入' just means to enter a physical space.
Select the phrase for 'Check-in time'.
这里的___时间是下午三点。
'入住时间' is the standard compound for 'check-in time'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Staying Somewhere
Staying at a friend's place
住你家
Standard hotel check-in
入住酒店
Official registration
办理入住手续
Where to use 入住
Luxury Hotel
五星级酒店入住
Airbnb/Homestay
民宿入住
Hospital Ward
入住病房
Youth Hostel
青年旅舍入住
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds very formal, like a developer announcing a building is ready. For your own move, use 搬家 (bānjiā).
The opposite is 退房 (tuìfáng), which means to check out or return the room.
Mostly, but it can also be used for hospitals 入住医院 or senior living facilities. It implies a managed facility.
Not always. If you are standing in the lobby, just saying 我要入住 (I want to check in) is perfectly clear.
It's both! You can say 入住时间 (check-in time - noun) or 我要入住 (I want to check in - verb).
You can ask: 我可以提前入住吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ tíqián rùzhù ma?).
办理 means 'to process' or 'to handle.' It's like saying 'do the paperwork for checking in' instead of just 'checking in.'
Yes, when students move into a dorm at the start of a semester, they 入住宿舍.
Yes, it's very common in texts like 我入住好了 (I'm all checked in).
Because you are physically entering a space to stay. It emphasizes the start of the stay.
Related Phrases
退房
To check out
预订
To book/reserve
前台
Front desk
搬家
To move house
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