Ask Us Anything Q&A Announcement

What does “jot down” mean in English?

When you “jot something down,” you write it quickly on paper or on your phone — just enough to remember it later. In the video, the speaker asks viewers to leave questions in the comments so “it’s easier for us to jot down the questions.” This phrase is very useful in everyday English. You use it when you write something in a fast, simple way — not slowly or carefully.

“Jot down” needs an object: you jot something down. For example: “Can you jot down your phone number?” or “I jotted down a few ideas during the meeting.” The word “jot” comes from the Greek letter iota, the smallest letter — so “jot down” means to make the smallest little note. For learners, the natural form is “jot it down” or “jot that down” — keep the “down.” This phrase works in both relaxed and more formal moments.