ええと
ēto[e̞ːto̞]
In Japanese, ええと (ēto) is the way to say "eh".
The phrase ええと functions primarily as a filler word, similar to "um", "uh" or "well" in English, to indicate that a speaker is thinking or hesitating. It can also be used as a request for repetition or clarification.
Meaning: request for repetition or clarification (intj)
Which one should you use?
While ええと can be used to request clarification, its primary function in natural speech is a hesitation marker similar to "um" or "uh" in English.
How do you pronounce it?
ēto
Did you know?
- The use of filler words like ええと is so ingrained in Japanese social harmony that omitting them entirely can make a speaker sound unnaturally blunt or aggressive.
- In certain contexts, a very short え can function as a completely different word meaning 'yes' or 'that is correct', which can confuse a learner expecting a hesitation marker.
- Japanese has a wide array of 'fillers' that change based on the level of hesitation, where えー is a simple pause but ええと implies a more active search for a specific word or fact.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are discussing a meeting time.
- 美咲 Misaki明日、午後三時に駅で会いましょう。Ashita, gogo san-ji ni eki de aimashou.Let's meet at the station tomorrow at 3 PM.
- 陽太 Yotaええと、三時でしたっけ？Eeto, san-ji deshita kke?Uh, was it 3 o'clock?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、三時です。Hai, san-ji desu.Yes, it's 3 o'clock.
- 陽太 Yota分かりました。そこで会いましょう。Wakarimashita. Soko de aimashou.I understand. I'll see you there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ええと, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
