Pencil in Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɛnsəɫ/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn
PEN-suhl IN
pˈɛnsəl/ /ˈɪn
PEN-suhl IN
Definition
To make a temporary or tentative plan by writing it down, knowing that it might change later.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used for making tentative appointments; not a firm commitment. Used with meetings, dates, or plans ('I'll pencil you in for Friday'). 'Pencil in' implies changes are expected.
Spanish: anotar provisionalmente - agendar tentativamentePortuguese (BR): anotar provisoriamente - marcar provisoriamentePortuguese (PT): anotar provisoriamente - marcar provisoriamenteChinese (Simplified): 暂定安排 - 暂时记下Chinese (Traditional): 暫定安排 - 暫時記下Hindi: अस्थायी रूप से लिख लेना - अस्थायी रूप से तय करनाArabic: تدوين مؤقت - تحديد موعد مؤقتBengali: অস্থায়ীভাবে লিখে রাখা - চূড়ান্তভাবে স্থির না করাRussian: предварительно записать - наметить (без обязательства)Japanese: 仮に予定する - 仮の予定を入れるVietnamese: ghi tạm - lên kế hoạch tạm thờiKorean: 임시로 적어두다 - 잠정적으로 잡다Turkish: geçici olarak not etmek - taslak olarak yazmakUrdu: عارضی طور پر لکھنا - عارضی شیڈول بناناIndonesian: menjadwalkan sementara - catat sementara
Example Sentences
Can I pencil in our meeting for Thursday?
basic
Let’s pencil in lunch next week.
basic
I’ll pencil you in for 3 PM.
basic
If anything comes up, we can always pencil in a different time.
natural
Just pencil me in for now—I’m not sure about my schedule yet.
natural
They asked if I could pencil in a call with them next Friday.
natural