Fill in Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈfɪɫ/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn

FIL-in

UK

fˈɪl/ /ˈɪn

FIL-in

Definition

To write information in the empty spaces of a form or document. It can also mean to take someone else's place or role temporarily.

Usage & Nuances

Common in instructions: 'fill in the blank', 'fill in your name', used with forms and paperwork. As 'substitute', it’s informal, e.g., 'Can you fill in for me at work?'. Not interchangeable with 'fill up' (make full) or 'fill out' (in US English, often same as 'fill in' for forms).

• Spanish: rellenar - completar (formulario) - sustituir (persona)
• Portuguese (BR): preencher - substituir (pessoa)
• Portuguese (PT): preencher - substituir (pessoa)
• Chinese (Simplified): 填写 - 代替（人）
• Chinese (Traditional): 填寫 - 代替（人）
• Hindi: भरना - जगह लेना (व्यक्ति)
• Arabic: يملأ - يحل محل (شخص)
• Bengali: পুরন করা - স্থলাভিষিক্ত হওয়া
• Russian: вписать - подменить
• Japanese: 記入する - 代わりを務める
• Vietnamese: điền vào - thay thế
• Korean: 기입하다 - 대신하다
• Turkish: doldurmak - yerine geçmek
• Urdu: پر کرنا - جگہ لینا
• Indonesian: mengisi - menggantikan

Example Sentences

Please fill in your address on this form.

basic

The teacher asked us to fill in the blanks.

basic

Can you fill in for me while I’m away?

basic

I forgot to fill in my phone number on the application.

natural

Thanks for filling in at the last minute yesterday.

natural

Let me fill in the details so you understand the whole story.

natural