Translation guide
An interjection used to express thinking, hesitation, doubt, or mild surprise. Japanese equivalents depend on the nuance and context.
ええと、ちょっと考えさせてください。
Hmm, let me think...
うーん、よくわからない。
Hmm, I'm not sure.
To show you are pausing to think or are unsure what to say.
The most common filler when pausing to think or recall something. Neutral and widely used.
ええと、何を言おうとしてたんだっけ。
Hmm, what was I going to say?
Similar to 'ええと', but slightly more polite or hesitant. Often used to get someone's attention before speaking.
あのう、ちょっと質問があるんですが。
Hmm, I have a question...
A drawn-out 'hmm' indicating deep thought or indecision. Casual.
うーん、どっちにしようかな。
Hmm, which one should I choose?
To show you are not convinced or find something questionable.
A short, flat 'hmm' that often implies mild disbelief or lack of interest. Can sound dismissive.
Can sound rude if overused or said with a flat tone.
ふーん、本当にそう思う？
Hmm, do you really think so?
Expresses mild surprise or interest, often with a rising intonation. Can be skeptical depending on tone.
へえ、それは知らなかった。
Hmm, I didn't know that.
To show you are listening and understanding, similar to 'uh-huh'.
Japanese interjections like ふーん or へえ can sound rude if said with a flat or dismissive tone. Pay attention to intonation and context.
Both are fillers, but あのう is more polite and often used to initiate a conversation or request, while ええと is more neutral for thinking pauses.