えーと
えーと
interjection
um, let me see, well
1.
um, let me see, well
A filler word used when thinking, hesitating, or trying to recall something. Buys time while formulating a response.
えーと、名前は何でしたっけ。
Um, what was your name again?
えーと、確か明日だったと思います。
Let me see, I think it was tomorrow.
えーと、それはちょっと難しいですね。
Well, that's a bit difficult.
「電話番号は？」「えーと、090の...」
"What's your phone number?" "Um, it's 090..."
USAGE: One of the most common Japanese filler words, equivalent to English "um," "uh," or "let me see." Used across all registers but more common in casual speech.
VARIANT FORMS:
- えーと: standard form
- ええと: written variant
- えっと: shorter, more casual
- えーっと: lengthened for longer pauses
PRONUNCIATION: The ー indicates vowel lengthening. Can be drawn out further when needing more thinking time.
SIMILAR FILLERS:
- あのー: more polite/formal filler
- そのー: similar hesitation filler
- なんていうか: "how do I say this"
- ほら: when trying to recall something
CULTURAL NOTE: While filler words exist in all languages, excessive use in formal Japanese (speeches, presentations) is considered less professional. Native speakers often use fillers less in polished speech.