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to invest (money, resources, effort, etc.) into something for a specific purpose
政府は再生可能エネルギーに多額の予算を投入した。
The government invested a large budget in renewable energy.
彼女は研究に全力を投入した。
She devoted all her energy to the research.
Commonly used in business, finance, and project contexts. Can also imply 'to throw/insert' in a literal sense (e.g., 投入する into a machine).
to throw into; to insert (literally)
コインを自動販売機に投入する。
Insert the coin into the vending machine.
Less common in modern usage compared to the figurative meaning. Often used with machines or containers.
'投入する' emphasizes the act of putting resources into a project or system, while '投資する' focuses on the long-term financial return. For example, '研究に資金を投入する' (invest funds into research) is more common than '研究に投資する' in formal contexts.
Always pair '投入する' with a specific resource (e.g., 資金, 努力, 人材) and a clear purpose. Avoid vague usages like '時間を投入する' unless the context is highly formal.
From the verb '投げる' (to throw) + '入れる' (to insert), forming a compound verb meaning 'to throw into' or 'to invest'. The figurative meaning of 'invest' emerged in the Meiji era (late 19th century) as Japan modernized its economy.
In business contexts, '投入する' often implies a strategic allocation of resources with the expectation of returns. Avoid using it for passive or wasteful spending (e.g., 不要な広告費を投入する is acceptable but implies poor judgment).