Translation guide
The English word "fill-in" can refer to a temporary substitute person, a brief summary, or the act of completing missing information. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Common word for a substitute performer or stand-in, especially in theater, film, or work roles.
He suddenly got sick, so we had to find a fill-in.
Borrowed from baseball, used metaphorically for a person who steps in at the last moment.
The presenter couldn't make it to the meeting, so I acted as a fill-in.
Refers to a substitute member, often in sports teams or formal groups.
He went from being a fill-in to a regular on the team.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'substitute person', usable in many contexts.
Something urgent came up, so I'm looking for a fill-in.
Giving someone a short overview of what they missed or what happened.
Means 'brief explanation' and is a natural way to offer a fill-in on a topic.
Could you give me a fill-in on what was discussed at yesterday's meeting?
Literally 'to tell the outline', used when asking for a summary.
Means 'to explain the situation', often used to bring someone up to speed.
Writing or adding details to a form, document, or blank space.
Standard verb for filling in a form or writing in required information.
Please fill in the required information on this document.
Means 'to fill' or 'to plug', used for filling in blanks or gaps.
Means 'to write in', often used for filling in details on a form or schedule.
The English phrasal verb 'fill in' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Always choose the expression based on whether you mean a person, information, or a form.
Can you fill in for me tomorrow?
Natural way to ask someone to substitute for you.
Sorry I'm late. Can you fill me in on what's happened so far?
Fill in the new person on the situation.
Please fill in the blanks.
スケジュール帳に予定を書き込んだ。
I filled in my schedule with appointments.