あのさ

あのさ
interjection
hey, you know, listen
informalspokenexpression
1. hey, you know, listen, um
A casual conversation opener used to get someone's attention before bringing up a topic, especially when the speaker wants to broach something carefully or is hesitating.
あのさ、ちょっといい？
Hey, do you have a minute?
あのさ、明日(あした)のことなんだけど。
Listen, it's about tomorrow.
あのさ、前(まえ)から言(い)おうと思(おも)ってたんだけど、引(ひ)っ越(こ)すことにした。
Hey, I've been meaning to tell you — I've decided to move.

Usage

あのさ is used among friends, family, and close acquaintances. It signals that the speaker is about to bring up a topic, often something that takes a bit of courage or delicacy. The さ adds a casual, attention-getting quality.

Similar words

  • あのね: softer, often used by or toward women and children
  • あの: more neutral/polite, can also be used with strangers
  • ねえ: another casual attention-getter ("hey")

Related Words

Compare: あのね (softer, often used by or toward women…)
Compare: ねえ (another casual attention-getter)
general
Added 2026.2.10 1:03 · Revised 2026.10.11 16:05
10500/10746_anosa