https://www.thoughtco.com/japanese-conversation-openers-fillers-4077284
Conversation Openers and Fillers in Japanese
by Namiko Abe
Updated May 01, 2017
In conversations, openers and fillers are used quite often. They don’t always have specific meanings. Openers are used as signals that you are about to say something or to smooth communication. Fillers are usually used for pauses or hesitation. English also has similar expressions such as “so,” “like,” “you know,” and so on. When you have the opportunity to hear native speakers’ conversation, listen carefully and examine how and when they are used.
Here are some openers and fillers frequently used.
Marking a New Topic
|
それで |
So |
|
で |
So (informal) |
Saying Something Off the Topic
|
ところで |
By the way |
|
話が違いますが |
To change the subject |
|
話、違うけど |
To change the subject (informal) |
Adding to the Current Topic
|
たとえば |
For example |
|
言い換えれば |
In other words |
|
そういえば |
Speaking of |
|
具体的に言うと |
More concretely |
Bringing Up the Main Topic
|
実は |
The fact is ~, To tell the truth |
Shortening the Preliminary Topics
|
さっそくですが |
May I come straight to the point? |
Introducing Someone or Something You Have Just Noticed
|
あ､ああ､あら |
“ara” is mainly used by female speakers. |
Note: “ああ” can also be used to show that you understand.
Hesitation Sounds
|
あの､あのう |
Used to get the listener’s attention. |
|
ええと |
Let me see … |
|
ええ |
Uhh … |
|
まあ |
Well, say … |
Asking for repetition
|
え (with a rising intonation) |
What? |
|
はあ (with a rising intonation) |
What? (informal) |