entrar

Entrar is a verb in Spanish (and also present in Portuguese with similar usage) that means to go in or to enter. In Spanish, the term covers physical entry into a place as well as a range of figurative senses, such as joining a group, starting a phase, or gaining access to systems and information.

Etymology: Entrar derives from Latin intrāre, formed with the prefix in- meaning “in” and a root related to “to go inside.” The verb developed in the Romance languages as entrar/entrar, retaining both literal and figurative meanings.

Conjugation and forms: Entrar is a regular -ar verb, so its endings follow the standard pattern. Present indicative: entro, entras, entra, entramos, entráis, entran. Preterite: entré, entraste, entró, entramos, entrasteis, entraron. Imperfect: entraba, entrabas, entraba, entrábamos, entrabais, entraban. Future: entraré, entrarás, entrará, entraremos, entraréis, entrarán. Conditional: entraría, entrarías, entraría, entraríamos, entraríais, entrarían. Present subjunctive: entre, entres, entre, entremos, entréis, entren. Imperfect subjunctive: entrara (or entrase), entraras (or entrases), entrara (or entrase), entremos, entrarais (or entraseis), entraran (or entrasen). Imperative: entra (tú), entre (usted), entremos (nosotros), entrad (vosotros), entren (ustedes).

Usage and constructions: Physical entry is marked with a or en: entrar a la casa, entrar en un edificio. Entrar en can also indicate entering a state or tema: entrar en conversación, entrar en vigor (to come into force). Phrasal uses include entrar en razón (to come to one’s senses), entrar en contacto (to get in touch), and, in technology, entrar en una cuenta or entrar al sistema (to log in). The verb supports a wide range of idiomatic expressions reflecting transition, access, and affiliation.