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.
Referring to someone who temporarily takes over a role or job.
Common word for a substitute performer or stand-in, especially in theater, film, or work roles.
彼が急病で、代役を立てなければならなかった。
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.
会議のプレゼンターが来られなくて、私がピンチヒッターを務めた。
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.
彼はチームの補欠からレギュラーになった。
He went from being a fill-in to a regular on the team.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'substitute person', usable in many contexts.
急用ができたので、代理の人を探しています。
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.
昨日の会議の内容について、簡単な説明をしてもらえますか？
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.
遅れてすみません。今までの概要を教えてください。
Sorry I'm late. Can you fill me in on what's happened so far?
Means 'to explain the situation', often used to bring someone up to speed.
新しく来た人に状況を説明しておいて。
Fill in the new person on the situation.
Writing or adding details to a form, document, or blank space.
Standard verb for filling in a form or writing in required information.
この書類に必要事項を記入してください。
Please fill in the required information on this document.
Means 'to fill' or 'to plug', used for filling in blanks or gaps.
空欄を埋めてください。
Please fill in the blanks.
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.
明日、私の代わりをやってくれませんか？
Can you fill in for me tomorrow?
Natural way to ask someone to substitute for you.
I filled in my schedule with appointments.