てか
てか
conjunction
or rather, I mean, actually
1.
or rather, I mean
Used to correct or revise what was just said, or to introduce a more important point. Casual speech.
面白かった、てか最高だった。
It was interesting, or rather, it was amazing.
かわいい、てか美人だよね。
She's cute, or rather, she's beautiful.
忙しいっていうか、てか時間がないんだよね。
It's not so much that I'm busy, I mean, I just don't have time.
2.
actually, by the way
Used to change the topic or introduce something the speaker just thought of.
てか、なんでここにいるの？
Wait, why are you here?
てか、今日何の日だっけ？
Actually, what day is it today?
てか、さっきの話聞いた？結構やばくない？
By the way, did you hear about that earlier? Isn't it pretty crazy?
REGISTER: Casual/informal speech. Very common among young people and in everyday conversation. Not appropriate for formal situations.
ORIGIN: Contraction of というか (to iu ka) meaning 'or rather' or 'I mean.'
USAGE:
- At the beginning of a sentence to change topics or interrupt
- After a statement to correct or emphasize
- To introduce a sudden thought
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- というか: Or rather, I mean (more standard)
- っていうか: Or rather (casual, same meaning)
- ていうか: I mean (casual variant)
- そういえば: Speaking of which, come to think of it
NOTE: Some speakers consider てか to be somewhat rude or too casual. Use with friends and peers, but avoid in formal settings.
Related Words
Related:
というか