How to Write 进 (jìn) — Meaning “Enter / Come in”

Picture a person walking (辶) straight into a well (井) to remember that 进 means "enter". The well shape looks like a square opening, and the walking radical shows the action of moving inside.

First write the inside part 井 (4 strokes: horizontal, horizontal, left-falling, vertical), then add the 辶 radical (3 strokes: dot, horizontal fold, diagonal downward stroke) around it. A common mistake is writing the radical before the inside part or making the 辶 too small—ensure it encloses the 井 snugly.

进 has 井 (well) inside, while 巡 has 川 (three strokes like a river) and 边 has 力 (strength). Their meanings differ: 进 means "enter", 巡 means "patrol", and 边 means "side". Visually, remember that 井 looks like a square opening to go into.

进 is common in everyday phrases like 进来 (come in) and 进步 (progress). It is also used politely to welcome guests, as in 请进 (please come in). The character implies forward movement or entering a space.

Common words containing 进 include: 进来 (jìn lái) — To come in / To enter; 进步 (jìn bù) — To progress / Improvement; 进入 (jìn rù) — To enter / To go into.