ええと
When speaking in Japanese, you'll often hear people use filler words. One common one is ええと (eeto). Think of it like saying 'um' or 'uh' in English when you need a moment to think or recall something.
You use ええと when you're pausing to choose the right words, remember a detail, or just to show you're thinking. It's a natural part of conversation and helps make your speech sound more fluent and less abrupt.
For example, if someone asks you a question and you need a second to formulate your answer, you might start with 「ええと…」 followed by your response. It's a polite way to buy yourself some time.
Don't be afraid to use ええと in your own Japanese conversations. It's a very common and useful interjection that will help you sound more like a native speaker!
When speaking in Japanese, you will often hear people use filler words. Just like in English, where we might say "um" or "uh," Japanese speakers use words to pause and think without creating an awkward silence. These words are called filler words or hesitation markers.
A common filler word you'll hear is ええと (eeto). This is often translated as "well..." or "let me see...". It gives the speaker a moment to gather their thoughts, recall a word, or figure out how to phrase their next sentence.
Using ええと can make your Japanese sound more natural and less robotic, as it's a very common part of everyday conversation. It's a useful word to incorporate into your vocabulary when you need a moment to think in Japanese.
§ Don't overuse ええと (eeto)
The biggest mistake learners make with filler words like ええと (eeto) is overusing them. Just like in English, if you say "um" or "uh" every other word, it can be distracting and make you sound less confident. While ええと (eeto) is useful for pausing to think, using it too often will make your Japanese sound unnatural. Try to use it strategically when you genuinely need a moment to collect your thoughts or find the right word, rather than as a crutch between every phrase.
§ Using ええと (eeto) in formal situations
ええと (eeto) is an informal filler word. While it's perfectly fine for casual conversations with friends or family, it's generally not appropriate for formal settings, such as business meetings, job interviews, or when speaking to someone of much higher status. In formal contexts, pausing silently or using more formal expressions like 恐れ入りますが (osoreirimasu ga - excuse me, but...) or 少々お待ちください (shōshō omachi kudasai - please wait a moment) to buy time is more respectful and professional. Using ええと (eeto) formally can make you sound hesitant or even a bit childish.
部長、ええと、この件についてご説明いただけますか。(Būchō, eeto, kono ken ni tsuite go setsumei itadakemasu ka?)
This sentence uses ええと (eeto) with a manager (部長 - būchō), which is generally too informal. A better way to express a pause in this situation would be to simply pause, or use a more formal introductory phrase if needed.
§ Confusing ええと (eeto) with other filler words
Japanese has several filler words, and they aren't all interchangeable. For instance, あの (ano) is similar but can also be used to politely get someone's attention or introduce a topic. その (sono) can also be a filler word but often implies you're thinking about something already mentioned or understood. While these subtle differences might seem minor, understanding them will help you use the right word at the right time. ええと (eeto) is primarily for when you're thinking aloud, trying to recall information, or formulating your next sentence.
- Common filler words:
- ええと (eeto): Well...; let me see... (when thinking)
- あの (ano): Um...; excuse me... (when thinking or getting attention)
- その (sono): That...; um... (often connecting thoughts or referring to something previously mentioned)
Pay attention to how native speakers use these different filler words in various contexts. You'll quickly pick up on the nuances.
§ Not pausing correctly
Sometimes, learners use ええと (eeto) when a simple, natural pause would be better. Not every moment of thought needs a verbal filler. Just as in English, sometimes a brief silence is more natural than constantly filling every gap. Learning to pause effectively is an important part of sounding fluent and confident. It shows that you're in control of your speech, even when you're taking a moment to think.
来週の会議は、ええと、火曜日でしたよね。(Raishū no kaigi wa, eeto, kayōbi deshita yo ne?)
While not strictly 'wrong,' a simple pause after 来週の会議は (raishū no kaigi wa) might sound more natural if you're just confirming a date you already have in mind. If you're genuinely trying to recall the day, then ええと (eeto) is fine. The key is intent.
§ Understanding ええと (eeto)
The Japanese word ええと (eeto) is a common interjection you'll hear in everyday Japanese conversations. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of 'well...' or 'let me see...' in English. It's primarily used as a filler word when you need a moment to think, recall something, or formulate your next sentence. It signals to the listener that you're processing information and haven't finished speaking yet.
- DEFINITION
- Well...; let me see... (filler word)
§ When to Use ええと (eeto)
You'll find yourself using ええと (eeto) in several situations:
- When you're searching for the right word: Just like when you might say 'um' or 'uh' in English.
- When you need to pause before answering a question: This gives you time to think about your response.
- When you're trying to remember something: It signals to the other person that you're actively recalling information.
- To soften a statement or a request: It can make your speech sound less abrupt.
ええと、それはどこにありますか？ (Eeto, sore wa doko ni arimasu ka?)
Well, where is that?
今日の宿題は、ええと、日本語の教科書の10ページです。(Kyō no shukudai wa, eeto, Nihongo no kyōkasho no juupēji desu.)
Today's homework is, let me see, page 10 of the Japanese textbook.
§ Similar Words and When to Use Them
While ええと (eeto) is a go-to filler, Japanese has other similar words. Knowing the nuances will help you sound more natural.
- あの (ano)
- This is another very common filler, often translated as 'um' or 'excuse me.' It's used when you're thinking, but also to get someone's attention or politely preface a remark. It has a slightly softer feel than ええと (eeto).
あの、すみません。(Ano, sumimasen.)
Um, excuse me.
- その (sono)
- Similar to あの (ano), but often used when you're referring to something that's closer to the listener, or to give yourself a moment to think about what you're about to say next, often in a slightly more formal context than just ええと (eeto).
その、計画について話しましょう。(Sono, keikaku ni tsuite hanashimashō.)
So, let's talk about the plan.
- んー (nー)
- This is a very informal and casual filler, much like an extended 'hmm' or 'uhm' in English. It's often used when you're deep in thought or slightly hesitant. Avoid using this in formal settings.
んー、どれにしようかな。(Nー, dore ni shiyou kana.)
Hmm, which one should I choose?
§ Key Differences and Choosing the Right Word
While all these words serve as fillers, their usage can subtly change the tone of your speech:
- ええと (eeto): Best for when you need a moment to think, recall, or organize your thoughts. It's quite neutral.
- あの (ano): More versatile. Use it to pause, but also to draw attention or to be politely hesitant. It often feels a bit softer or more considerate.
- その (sono): Can be used similarly to あの (ano) but sometimes implies a slight shift in topic or a more deliberate pause before continuing.
- んー (nー): Strictly informal. Use it among close friends or in very casual settings when you're genuinely pondering something.
Mastering these simple filler words will significantly improve the naturalness of your Japanese conversations. They're small details that make a big difference in sounding like a native speaker!
Beispiele nach Niveau
ええと、次の駅は何ですか？
Well, what is the next station?
ええと、この本はいくらですか？
Um, how much is this book?
ええと、道に迷ってしまいました。
Let me see, I'm lost.
ええと、おすすめのレストランはありますか？
Well, do you have any recommended restaurants?
ええと、お手洗いはどこですか？
Um, where is the restroom?
ええと、もう少し考えさせてください。
Let me see, please let me think a little more.
ええと、これはどうやって使いますか？
Well, how do I use this?
ええと、何か質問はありますか？
Um, do you have any questions?
ええと、このプロジェクトの次のステップは何でしたっけ？
Well, what was the next step for this project?
Used to pause and recall information.
ええと、たしかその会議は来週の火曜日だったと思います。
Hmm, I think that meeting was next Tuesday.
Indicates thinking before confirming something.
ええと、彼は今、出張中だったはずですが…
Let me see, he should be on a business trip right now, but...
Used when trying to remember someone's current status.
ええと、今日のランチは何にしましょうか。
Well, what should we have for lunch today?
Used to ponder options or choices.
ええと、この資料、どこに置いたかな。
Hmm, where did I put these materials?
Expresses a slight pause while searching for something.
ええと、彼の言っていたことは、つまりこういうことですよね？
So, what he was saying, it means this, right?
Used to confirm understanding or paraphrase.
ええと、申し訳ありませんが、もう少し詳しく説明していただけますか。
Well, I apologize, but could you explain a little more in detail?
Used politely before making a request for clarification.
ええと、この問題の解決策を見つけるには、どうすればいいでしょう。
Let me see, how should we go about finding a solution to this problem?
Used when contemplating a course of action.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
ええと、今日のランチは何にしましょうか？
Well, what should we have for lunch today?
ええと、この漢字の読み方は何ですか？
Well, what is the reading of this kanji?
ええと、週末の予定はありますか？
Well, do you have plans for the weekend?
ええと、次の駅はどこですか？
Well, where is the next station?
ええと、おすすめのレストランはありますか？
Well, do you have any recommended restaurants?
ええと、もう少し詳しく教えていただけますか？
Well, could you tell me a little more in detail?
ええと、何か質問はありますか？
Well, do you have any questions?
ええと、それはちょっと難しいですね。
Well, that's a little difficult.
ええと、他に何かありますか？
Well, is there anything else?
ええと、そろそろ時間ですね。
Well, it's about time.
Wortfamilie
Verben
So verwendest du es
ええと (eeto) is a common Japanese interjection used as a filler word. It's similar to saying "Well..." or "Let me see..." in English. You use it when you need a moment to think before speaking, or when you're searching for the right words. It helps to smooth out your speech and signal that you're about to say something, but just need a brief pause. It's often heard at the beginning of a sentence.
A common mistake is overusing it, which can make your speech sound hesitant or unnatural. While it's good for a brief pause, constantly inserting ええと can be distracting. Another mistake is using it as a direct translation for every instance of 'well' in English. Remember, it's primarily a filler for thinking time, not always an introductory word like 'well' can be in other contexts (e.g., 'Well, I guess so').
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 Fragenええと (eeto) is a Japanese filler word, similar to 'well...' or 'let me see...' in English. People use it when they need a moment to think before speaking, or to show slight hesitation.
You can use it when you're pausing to choose your words, trying to recall something, or when you want to soften a statement. It's a natural part of conversation.
It's generally informal. You'll hear it often in casual conversations, but it's less common in very formal settings where precise and unhesitant speech is expected.
Sure.
Example: 「ええと、今日は何をしましょうか？」 (Eeto, kyō wa nani o shimashō ka?)
Hint: 'Well, what should we do today?'
They are similar in that both are filler words. However, 'あのう' (anō) often implies you're trying to get someone's attention or are about to make a request, while 'ええと' is more about personal hesitation or thinking aloud.
Here's another one:
Example: 「ええと、名前は何でしたっけ？」 (Eeto, namae wa nan deshitakke?)
Hint: 'Um, what was your name again?'
Not necessarily, but it's most common at the beginning or after a short pause. It acts as a verbal placeholder while you're formulating your thoughts.
Absolutely! It's a very common and natural part of Japanese speech. Using it can actually make your Japanese sound more natural and less robotic.
Not inherently. However, overusing it can make you sound hesitant or unsure, which might be perceived negatively in some situations, just like overusing 'um' or 'uh' in English.
ええと (eeto) is considered a B1 level word. This means it's a useful word for intermediate learners to know and incorporate into their vocabulary.
Teste dich selbst 54 Fragen
Imagine you're trying to remember someone's name. Write a short sentence in Japanese using 'ええと' to express hesitation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ええと、お名前は？ (Well, your name is...?)
You're at a restaurant and you're thinking about what to order. Write a short Japanese sentence using 'ええと' to indicate you're pondering.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ええと、これをください。 (Well, I'll have this.)
Someone asks you a question, and you need a moment to think of the answer. Write a short Japanese sentence using 'ええと' before giving your answer.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ええと、はい、そうです。 (Well, yes, that's right.)
What does 'ええと' indicate in B's response?
Read this passage:
A: すみません、トイレはどこですか。(Excuse me, where is the restroom?) B: ええと、あそこです。(Well, it's over there.) What does person B use 'ええと' for in this conversation?
What does 'ええと' indicate in B's response?
'ええと' is used here as a filler word while B is thinking or pointing.
'ええと' is used here as a filler word while B is thinking or pointing.
What is the nuance of 'ええと' in B's reply?
Read this passage:
A: 明日は何をしますか。(What will you do tomorrow?) B: ええと、映画を見ます。(Well, I'll watch a movie.) What is the nuance of 'ええと' in B's reply?
What is the nuance of 'ええと' in B's reply?
'ええと' shows that B is taking a moment to consider or articulate their answer.
'ええと' shows that B is taking a moment to consider or articulate their answer.
Why does B use 'ええと' in this context?
Read this passage:
A: この本はいくらですか。(How much is this book?) B: ええと、千円です。(Well, it's 1000 yen.) Why does B use 'ええと' before stating the price?
Why does B use 'ええと' in this context?
'ええと' is used here to show a slight pause while retrieving information.
'ええと' is used here to show a slight pause while retrieving information.
Imagine you're trying to remember someone's name. Write a short sentence in Japanese where you use 'ええと' while thinking.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ええと、名前は…
You're at a restaurant and the waiter asks for your order, but you need a moment to decide. Write what you would say in Japanese using 'ええと' before ordering.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ええと、もう少し考えさせてください。
Your friend asks you what you want to do this weekend. You haven't decided yet. Write a Japanese sentence using 'ええと' to express that you're thinking.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ええと、週末は何をしようかな。
What is person B doing after saying 'ええと'?
Read this passage:
A: すみません、田中さんの電話番号を知っていますか？ B: ええと、少々お待ちください。手帳に書いてあります。 A: ありがとうございます。
What is person B doing after saying 'ええと'?
B says '手帳に書いてあります' which means 'it's written in my notebook'.
B says '手帳に書いてあります' which means 'it's written in my notebook'.
Why does the student say 'ええと'?
Read this passage:
先生: この問題の答えは何ですか？ 学生: ええと、この問題の答えは… わかりません。
Why does the student say 'ええと'?
The student uses 'ええと' as a filler while trying to come up with an answer, then says they don't know.
The student uses 'ええと' as a filler while trying to come up with an answer, then says they don't know.
What does person B mean by 'ええと' in this context?
Read this passage:
A: 明日の会議は何時からですか？ B: ええと、10時だったと思います。確認しますね。
What does person B mean by 'ええと' in this context?
B says '10時だったと思います。確認しますね。' indicating they think it's 10 o'clock but will confirm, implying uncertainty.
B says '10時だったと思います。確認しますね。' indicating they think it's 10 o'clock but will confirm, implying uncertainty.
This sentence asks for the price of something, using 'ええと' as a filler before the question. 'これは' means 'this,' and 'いくらですか' means 'how much is it?'
This sentence uses 'ええと' as a pause before asking 'Where is the next station?' '次の' means 'next,' '駅は' means 'the station is,' and 'どこですか' means 'where is it?'
Here, 'ええと' is used as a thinking pause before asking 'What did you do on the weekend?' '週末は' means 'on the weekend,' '何を' means 'what,' and 'しましたか' means 'did you do?'
Choose the most appropriate response using ええと:
「ええと」is used when you're thinking or trying to recall something, making the question about the meeting time the most natural fit.
Which sentence correctly uses ええと as a filler word?
「ええと」is a common filler word used when you're pausing to think about what to say next. In this context, it naturally fits a slight hesitation before stating where one lives.
Select the sentence where ええと expresses hesitation before making a decision.
「ええと」is often used when someone is deliberating or pausing to make a decision, which is perfectly captured by 'どちらにしようかな' (which one should I choose?).
「ええと」can be used to show surprise.
「ええと」is primarily used as a filler word indicating hesitation, thinking, or recalling, not surprise. Other expressions like 「えっ」or 「あら」are used for surprise.
It is natural to use 「ええと」at the beginning of a sentence when you are about to ask a question but need a moment to formulate it.
This is a very common and natural usage of 「ええと」. It signals to the listener that the speaker is pausing to think before asking their question.
「ええと」is a formal expression and should only be used in business settings.
「ええと」is an informal filler word. While it can be used in some polite contexts, it's generally avoided in very formal business or highly respectful situations where more precise or silent pauses are preferred.
This sentence uses ええと to express hesitation while recalling the day's plans.
ええと is used here to pause and think about the next destination.
The speaker uses ええと to indicate they are pondering how to answer a question.
複雑な問題なので、___、もう少し時間をください。
「ええと」は、複雑な問題を考える際の間投詞として自然です。
彼の言っていることは理解できるが、___、完全に同意することはできない。
考えを整理しつつ、断定を避けるニュアンスを出すときに「ええと」が使えます。
このプロジェクトの最終目標は、___、新しい市場を開拓することです。
「ええと」は、核心に触れる前に少し間を置くときに適しています。
その提案についてですが、___、いくつか懸念点があります。
話し始める前の考えを整理する際に「ええと」が適切です。
将来のキャリアプランについては、___、まだ漠然と考えている段階です。
明確な答えを出す前に、思考の過程を示すときに「ええと」を使います。
この論文の結論として、___、環境問題への意識向上が不可欠であると言えます。
結論を述べる前に、少し考える間を置くときに「ええと」が使えます。
Choose the most natural continuation: 「ええと、今日は何時に集合でしたっけ？」
The speaker is trying to recall information, and the most natural response provides the requested information. The other options are unrelated or express emotions.
In which situation would 「ええと」 be most appropriate?
「ええと」 is a filler word used when someone is thinking or hesitating, making it suitable for trying to recall information like a name. The other situations call for more direct or assertive language.
Which of these sentences uses 「ええと」 correctly?
「ええと」 is used here to indicate hesitation while trying to recall information about the project's goal. The other options use 「ええと」 in contexts where it would sound unnatural or incorrect, as they are direct expressions of gratitude, departure, or congratulations.
You can use 「ええと」 to express strong conviction or certainty about a statement.
「ええと」 is a filler word indicating hesitation or thought, not strong conviction. It suggests uncertainty or a search for words/information.
When asked a complex question requiring careful thought, using 「ええと」 before giving an answer is a natural way to signal you are thinking.
「ええと」 serves as a verbal pause or filler, commonly used when someone needs a moment to gather their thoughts or formulate a response, especially to a complex question.
「ええと」 can be used interchangeably with 「はい」 (yes) when agreeing with someone.
「ええと」 is a hesitation marker, while 「はい」 is a direct affirmative. They are not interchangeable in expressing agreement; using 「ええと」 instead of 「はい」 would imply uncertainty or an inability to recall, rather than agreement.
The speaker is trying to recall something about a meeting.
The speaker is searching for a document.
The speaker is about to provide an update on a previous topic.
Read this aloud:
ええと、どう説明したらいいかな。
Focus: 「ええと」の自然な間
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
ええと、ちょっと待ってください。
Focus: 「ええと」のイントネーション
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
ええと、これはですね、非常に重要なポイントです。
Focus: 「ええと」の後のスムーズな発話
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are giving a detailed presentation on a complex scientific topic. You need to pause to recall a specific technical term. Write a sentence or two reflecting this moment, incorporating 'ええと'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この現象を説明するのに最適な専門用語は、ええと、たしか「量子もつれ」でした。複雑すぎて、少し言葉に詰まってしまいますね。
You are trying to politely decline a very persistent offer from a salesperson, but you want to soften the refusal. Write a short dialogue where you use 'ええと' before gently rejecting the offer.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
salesperson: 「お客様、この限定商品は本日限りでございます！」 you: 「ええと、大変魅力的なお話なのですが、今回は見送らせていただきます。またの機会に。」
You are recounting a very long and convoluted story to a friend, and you momentarily lose your train of thought, needing to gather your thoughts before continuing. Write a sentence where you use 'ええと' to indicate this pause.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
それで、私たちは森の奥深くに進んでいって、ええと、そこで奇妙な光景を目にしたんだ。何だったか、少し整理させてね。
Bさんは「ええと」を使って、どのような意図を伝えていますか？
Read this passage:
A: 今日の会議の議題は何でしたっけ？ B: ええと、いくつかあったのですが、主に新しいプロジェクトの進捗報告と、次期の予算案の検討でしたね。あと、人事異動についても少し触れました。 A: なるほど、ありがとうございます。盛りだくさんだったのですね。
Bさんは「ええと」を使って、どのような意図を伝えていますか？
「ええと」は、話す内容を考えたり思い出したりする際に使われる間投詞です。この文脈では、Bさんが会議の議題を思い出そうとしている様子が伺えます。
「ええと」は、話す内容を考えたり思い出したりする際に使われる間投詞です。この文脈では、Bさんが会議の議題を思い出そうとしている様子が伺えます。
田中部長が「ええと」を使ったことで、どのようなニュアンスが読み取れますか？
Read this passage:
新しい企画のプレゼンテーション中、田中部長が突然質問を投げかけてきた。「このデータは、ええと、どのような根拠に基づいて作成されたのですか？」彼の言葉には、単なる疑問ではなく、データに対する疑念がわずかに感じられた。
田中部長が「ええと」を使ったことで、どのようなニュアンスが読み取れますか？
この文脈では、「ええと」は質問の言葉を選ぶための間投詞として使われています。データに対する疑念を直接的に表現するのではなく、少し言葉を選びながら質問している様子がうかがえます。
この文脈では、「ええと」は質問の言葉を選ぶための間投詞として使われています。データに対する疑念を直接的に表現するのではなく、少し言葉を選びながら質問している様子がうかがえます。
友人が「ええと」を使った後、どのような状況が予測されますか？
Read this passage:
友人とカフェで話している時、彼が突然黙り込み、「ええと、実は君に言っておかなければならないことがあるんだ」と切り出した。その真剣な表情から、ただならぬ雰囲気が伝わってきた。私は彼の次の言葉を固唾を飲んで待った。
友人が「ええと」を使った後、どのような状況が予測されますか？
「ええと」の後に「実は君に言っておかなければならないことがあるんだ」という表現が続くこと、そして「真剣な表情」という記述から、友人が重要な、あるいは話しにくい内容を切り出そうとしている状況が予測されます。
「ええと」の後に「実は君に言っておかなければならないことがあるんだ」という表現が続くこと、そして「真剣な表情」という記述から、友人が重要な、あるいは話しにくい内容を切り出そうとしている状況が予測されます。
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
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いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
