嗯
ēn/ŋ̍³⁵/
In Chinese, the expression for "mmm" is represented by 嗯 (ēn).
While 嗯 can be used as an expression for deliciousness, it is most commonly used as a versatile filler or an affirmative particle meaning "yes", "uh-huh" or "I see".
Meaning: expression used for deliciousness (intj)
Which one should you use?
The tone used for agreement or expressing that something is delicious is typically lower and more stable. If you use a rising tone, the word functions as a question or is used to express doubt.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ēn.
Did you know?
- In a text message, using only a single 嗯 can sometimes come across as cold, dismissive, or even slightly annoyed to a Chinese speaker. To appear more friendly or enthusiastic, people often repeat it or add a vowel, like 嗯嗯.
- The character 恩 used in the construction of 嗯 means 'grace' or 'kindness' in Chinese. This gives the written form a positive, benevolent connotation even before you speak it.
- In Chinese subtitles for films, 嗯 is used not just for agreement but to represent any non-lexical nasal sound, including grunts of effort or sighs of relief.
Examples in context
- 嗯，但是你必须等我。Mmm, but you must wait for me.This sentence shows how to use 嗯 as a filler in a sentence.Tatoeba #6451967 by Lemmih, translation #6451969 by Lemmih
- 你今天很漂亮！(nǐ jīntiān hěn piàoliang!)You look beautiful today!
- 嗯，谢谢！(ēn, xièxie!)Mmm, thank you!
- 外面下雨了。(wàimiàn xià yǔ le.)It's raining outside.
- 是啊，带把伞吧。(shì a, dài bǎ sǎn ba.)Mmm, better take an umbrella.
- 嗯，这个蛋糕真好吃！ǹg, zhège dàngāo zhēn hǎochī!Mmm, this cake is really delicious!
Example conversation
A couple is sharing a dessert at a cafe.
- 雨婷 Yuting浩然，你快尝尝这个。Hàorán, nǐ kuài chángchang zhège.Haoran, you should try this.
- 浩然 Haoran嗯，味道太棒了！ǹg, wèidào tài bàng le!Mmm, the taste is amazing!
- 雨婷 Yuting我也觉得很好吃。Wǒ yě juéde hěn hǎochī.I think it's delicious too.
- 浩然 Haoran我们再点一份吧。Wǒmen zài diǎn yī fèn ba.Let's order another one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 嗯, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 嗯, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
