15초 만에
- Record information for later.
- Use on paper or digitally.
- Works in most situations.
- Don't use for creative writing.
뜻
기본적으로 `write down`은 잊지 않도록 무언가를 종이(또는 화면!)에 기록하는 것을 의미합니다. 나중에 사용할 생각이나 정보를 저장하는 것이라고 생각하세요. 매우 흔하며, 중요한 것을 들었을 때 펜을 잡는 것처럼 실용적이고 부담 없는 느낌을 줍니다.
주요 예문
3 / 12Texting a friend
Hey, can you write down the address for the party?
Hey, can you write down the address for the party?
At a cafe
The barista gave me a funny look when I asked to write down the secret menu item.
The barista gave me a funny look when I asked to write down the secret menu item.
Job interview (Zoom)
Please write down any questions you might have during the presentation.
Please write down any questions you might have during the presentation.
문화적 배경
There is a massive 'planner culture' where people use expensive notebooks (like Moleskines) to write down every detail of their day. It's seen as a sign of being 'put together' and productive. In British legal and business culture, 'Get it in black and white' is a common idiom related to writing things down to make them official. While digital notes are common, there is still a very high respect for handwriting. Writing down notes by hand in a meeting is often seen as more respectful than typing on a laptop. Precision is highly valued. Writing down technical specifications or instructions exactly as given is a hallmark of German engineering culture.
The 'It' Rule
Always put 'it' in the middle. 'Write it down' is the only way to say it correctly with a pronoun.
Don't over-use
Don't use 'write down' for long stories. Just use 'write' for books, letters, or essays.
15초 만에
- Record information for later.
- Use on paper or digitally.
- Works in most situations.
- Don't use for creative writing.
What It Means
Write down is your go-to phrase for recording information. It means to literally put words or numbers onto a surface. This surface is usually paper, but it can also be a digital note on your phone or computer. It’s about capturing something so it’s not lost. Think of it as making a physical or digital copy of an idea. It’s a very direct and useful action.
How To Use It
You use write down whenever you need to save information. Someone tells you an address? You write it down. You see a cool recipe online? You write it down. You get a great idea in the shower? (Okay, maybe not *in* the shower, but right after!) You write it down. It works with nouns like notes, a number, or an idea. You can also use it with verbs like write down what I say. It’s super flexible!
Formality & Register
This is a wonderfully versatile phrase. You can use write down in almost any situation. It’s perfectly fine when texting your friends about where to meet. It’s also totally appropriate in a more formal setting, like a meeting or a lecture. The context usually tells people if you’re jotting down a quick reminder or taking serious notes. It’s the Swiss Army knife of note-taking phrases!
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're watching your favorite cooking show. The chef mentions a secret ingredient. You grab a napkin and write down the ingredient. Or maybe your boss emails you a list of tasks. You open your notepad app and write down each task. Even in a game, if you need to remember a code, you write it down. It’s all about preservation of information.
When To Use It
Use write down when you want to emphasize the act of physically recording something. You hear a phone number and want to make sure you have it later. You write it down. You’re in a class and the teacher says something important. You write it down. It’s great for concrete information you need to refer back to. It’s the opposite of just trying to remember it in your head, which, let’s be honest, is a risky business!
When NOT To Use It
Don't use write down when you're talking about writing in a more creative or abstract sense. For example, you wouldn't say you write down a novel. You *write* a novel. You also wouldn't say you write down a song; you *compose* or *write* a song. It’s specifically for recording existing information, not for original creation. It’s like using a hammer to paint – wrong tool for the job!
Common Mistakes
A common slip-up is confusing write down with just write. While write is broader, write down specifically implies recording information for later use. Another mistake is using it for things you don't literally record, like 'I need to write down my feelings.' You'd usually say 'express' or 'write about' your feelings.
Common Variations
Sometimes people use jot down for quick notes. It’s very similar but implies speed and brevity. Note down is also common, especially in British English, and feels slightly more formal. Scribble down suggests writing quickly and perhaps messily. Put down can sometimes be used similarly, like 'Put down the address,' but it's less specific. Think of jot down as the speedy cousin of write down.
Real Conversations
Friend 1: Hey, did you get Sarah's new apartment number?
Friend 2: No, I missed it. Can you write it down for me quickly?
Student
Professor
write down the date: October 25th.Quick FAQ
Q. Is write down always about paper?
A. Not anymore! You can write down notes on your phone or computer too. It’s about recording info, not just the medium.
Q. Can I use write down for important documents?
A. You can, but for very official things, you might just sign or complete a document. Write down is more for general notes.
Q. What's the difference between write down and note down?
A. Note down is very similar and often interchangeable. Note down can sometimes feel a bit more formal or common in British English.
Q. Is jot down more casual?
A. Yes, jot down implies a quick, perhaps less formal note. It's like a speedy write down.
Q. What if I'm writing a story?
A. You wouldn't write down a story; you'd just write a story. Write down is for recording existing info.
Q. Can I write down a feeling?
A. It sounds a bit odd. You'd usually write about your feelings or express them. Write down is more for facts and details.
Q. What's the opposite of write down?
A. There isn't a perfect single opposite, but 'forgetting' or 'erasing' are conceptual opposites. It’s about preserving versus losing information.
Q. Does write down imply neatness?
A. Not necessarily. You can scribble down something quickly, which isn't neat. The phrase itself doesn't guarantee neat handwriting!
Q. Can I use it in a professional email?
A. Absolutely! 'Please write down these instructions' is perfectly fine in a professional context.
Q. What about social media?
A. You might see someone say, 'I just wrote down a bunch of ideas for my next TikTok!' It fits right in.
Q. Is there a negative connotation?
A. Generally, no. It's a neutral, practical action. The only negative comes if you *fail* to write down something important!
Q. What if I want to emphasize speed?
A. Use jot down or scribble down. They convey that sense of urgency better than write down.
Q. Can I write down a name?
A. Yes, definitely! 'Can you write down my name?' is a very common request.
Q. What about numbers?
A. Perfect! 'Please write down the serial number' is a standard instruction.
Q. Is it common in American English?
A. Yes, it's extremely common in both American and British English.
Q. What if I'm taking dictation?
A. You would absolutely write down what the person says. It's the core activity there.
Q. Can I use it for memories?
A. You could say 'I wrote down some memories from my childhood,' but 'wrote about' might be more common for recalling experiences.
사용 참고사항
The phrase `write down` is highly versatile and fits into most contexts, from casual chats to professional settings. Avoid using it for creative composition or expressing abstract emotions; opt for `write` or `write about` in those cases. Remember that digital recording is just as valid as using pen and paper.
The 'It' Rule
Always put 'it' in the middle. 'Write it down' is the only way to say it correctly with a pronoun.
Don't over-use
Don't use 'write down' for long stories. Just use 'write' for books, letters, or essays.
Professionalism
In a meeting, saying 'Let me write that down' shows you are a serious and attentive listener.
예시
12Hey, can you write down the address for the party?
Hey, can you write down the address for the party?
Casual request for specific information.
The barista gave me a funny look when I asked to write down the secret menu item.
The barista gave me a funny look when I asked to write down the secret menu item.
Humorous situation highlighting a specific, perhaps unusual, request.
Please write down any questions you might have during the presentation.
Please write down any questions you might have during the presentation.
Professional instruction to record thoughts.
Just had the most amazing meal! Had to write down the recipe before I forgot.
Just had the most amazing meal! Had to write down the recipe before I forgot.
Enthusiastic sharing of a personal experience.
Can you write down the WiFi password? My hands are full.
Can you write down the WiFi password? My hands are full.
Practical, everyday request in a digital chat.
The professor spoke quickly, so I tried to write down the key points.
The professor spoke quickly, so I tried to write down the key points.
Describing the action of note-taking during instruction.
✗ I need to write down my feelings. → ✓ I need to write about my feelings.
✗ I need to write down my feelings. → ✓ I need to write about my feelings.
Incorrect usage; 'write down' is for facts, not abstract emotions.
✗ Let's write down a new song together. → ✓ Let's write a new song together.
✗ Let's write down a new song together. → ✓ Let's write a new song together.
Incorrect usage; 'write down' implies recording, not original creation.
This market has so many unique spices! I'm writing down the names of a few to try later.
This market has so many unique spices! I'm writing down the names of a few to try later.
Documenting discoveries during travel.
I'll write down my special instructions in the notes section.
I'll write down my special instructions in the notes section.
Providing specific details for a service.
He looked so serious, I felt compelled to write down his words exactly.
He looked so serious, I felt compelled to write down his words exactly.
Emphasizing the importance and precision of recording.
Could you please write down the action items from our meeting?
Could you please write down the action items from our meeting?
Polite request in a business context.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'write down'. Remember the pronoun rule!
I have a great idea. Let me ______ before I forget.
Pronouns like 'it' must go between 'write' and 'down'.
Which sentence is correct for a professional setting?
The manager asked the assistant to...
'Write down' is used for recording facts or notes, not for novels or signatures.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Can you give me your address?' B: 'Sure, do you have a pen to ______?'
'Write it down' is the complete and natural phrasal verb usage here.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a grocery store and realize you forgot your list.
'Write down' is used for lists and reminders.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Write Down vs. Write Up
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제I have a great idea. Let me ______ before I forget.
Pronouns like 'it' must go between 'write' and 'down'.
The manager asked the assistant to...
'Write down' is used for recording facts or notes, not for novels or signatures.
A: 'Can you give me your address?' B: 'Sure, do you have a pen to ______?'
'Write it down' is the complete and natural phrasal verb usage here.
You are in a grocery store and realize you forgot your list.
'Write down' is used for lists and reminders.
🎉 점수: /4
비디오 튜토리얼
이 표현에 대한 YouTube 동영상 강좌를 찾아보세요.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It is neutral. You can use it with friends, teachers, or bosses. It's never 'too' informal.
Yes! Even though we use a keyboard, we still say 'write down' for the act of recording information.
'Note down' is slightly more formal and often used in academic or professional settings. 'Write down' is more common in daily life.
It likely comes from the physical act of looking down at a piece of paper, and the linguistic idea of 'pinning' a thought down.
No, that is incorrect. You must say 'I wrote it down'.
Not exactly. 'Write' is general. 'Write down' specifically means to record a piece of information so you don't forget it.
Yes, that is a very common and correct usage.
The past tense is 'wrote down'.
No, 'write down' is much more common. 'Jot down' is a casual variation.
No, use 'sign' or 'put your signature' for that.
관련 표현
jot down
similarTo write something quickly.
write up
contrastTo create a full report from notes.
take down
similarTo record spoken words.
note down
synonymTo record a piece of information.
