投入 (tóurù)

投入 means to put something into a project, cause, or activity, either in terms of money, energy, or effort. It can also function as a noun meaning "input" or an adjective meaning deeply absorbed or engaged.

Meanings

[verb] to put into; to invest (resources, energy, effort) in something; to throw oneself into
[noun] input; investment; the amount put in
[adjective] absorbed; engrossed; deeply engaged

Example Sentences

政府加大了对基础教育的投入，新建了数百所农村学校。 Zhèngfǔ jiādàle duì jīchǔ jiàoyù de tóurù, xīn jiànle shùbǎi suǒ nóngcūn xuéxiào. The government increased its investment in basic education, building hundreds of new rural schools.

她在工作中非常投入，经常忘记时间，一做就是几个小时。 Tā zài gōngzuò zhōng fēicháng tóurù, jīngcháng wàngjì shíjiān, yī zuò jiùshì jǐ gè xiǎoshí. She is deeply absorbed in her work and often forgets the time, sometimes working for several hours straight.

要想在短时间内取得成效，就必须在人力和物力上大量投入。 Yào xiǎng zài duǎn shíjiān nèi qǔdé chéngxiào, jiù bìxū zài rénlì hé wùlì shàng dàliàng tóurù. To achieve results in a short time, large inputs of manpower and resources are necessary.

这项科研项目获得了政府的重大资金投入，预计将取得突破性进展。 Zhè xiàng kēyán xiàngmù huòdéle zhèngfǔ de zhòngdà zījīn tóurù, yùjì jiāng qǔdé túpòxìng jìnzhǎn. This research project received major government funding investment and is expected to make breakthrough progress.

他把全部热情投入到音乐创作中，几乎放弃了所有的社交活动。 Tā bǎ quánbù rèqíng tóurù dào yīnyuè chuàngzuò zhōng, jīhū fàngqìle suǒyǒu de shèjiāo huódòng. He threw all his passion into music creation, almost giving up all social activities.

产出与投入的比例是衡量企业运营效率的重要指标。 Chǎnchū yǔ tóurù de bǐlì shì héngliáng qǐyè yùnyíng xiàolǜ de zhòngyào zhǐbiāo. The ratio of output to input is an important indicator for measuring the operational efficiency of a business.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
资金投入	financial investment; capital input
加大投入	to increase investment/input
投入精力	to invest energy/effort
全身心投入	to devote oneself wholeheartedly
投入产出	input-output
大量投入	large-scale input/investment

Usage Notes

投入 is a flexible word with verbal, nominal, and adjectival functions. As a verb meaning "to invest resources," it is slightly less formal than 投资 (to invest money specifically) and can cover a wider range of resources including time, energy, and manpower. As an adjective (他很投入 — he is very absorbed/engaged), it describes a state of deep focus or immersion in an activity.

The contrast 投入 vs. 产出 (input vs. output) is a fundamental concept in economics and management, and the phrase 投入产出比 (input-output ratio) is widely used.

Memory Hook

投 (to throw/put) + 入 (to enter/into) — 投入 is to throw yourself or your resources into something.