э-э
é-e[ɛː]
The English word "uh" can be expressed in Russian as э-э (é-e).
э-э is used as a space filler or pause during conversation.
Meaning: space filler or pause during conversation (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is [é-e].
Did you know?
- The sound э-э is distinct from а-а, which is also used as a filler. While э-э often marks a pause for thought, а-а is frequently used when the speaker has just remembered something or is correcting themselves.
- Russian speakers sometimes replace э-э with a rhythmic tapping of the tongue, which serves a similar conversational purpose as the verbalized filler.
- If a Russian speaker uses ну as a filler instead of э-э, they are often signaling that they are about to change the subject or are impatient with the current topic.
Examples in context
- Я слышал, что в, э-э, интернетах поговаривают, что будет призыв в армию.I hear there's rumors on the, uh, Internets, that we're going to have a draft.This sentence shows how to use э-э when mentioning the internet.Tatoeba #9929397 by Ooneykcall, translation #8774633 by shekitten
- «Э-э… м-м…» – «В чём дело, Линк?» – «Я не могу выбрать». – «Нет времени. Хватит и твоего инстинкта». – «Конечно!»"Uh… um…" "What's happening, Link?" "I can't choose." "There is no time. Your instinct is enough." "Of course!"This sentence demonstrates the use of э-э as a hesitant sound during a dialogue.Tatoeba #12055904 by Ooneykcall, translation #12055902 by Ooneykcall
- «Клянешься ли ты торжественно говорить правду, всю правду и ничего, кроме правды?» – «Нет». – «Э-э… и что мне теперь делать?»"Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" "No." "Uh… what do I do now?"This sentence shows how э-э can be used when someone is uncertain about what to do next.Tatoeba #10352299 by Ooneykcall, translation #10348904 by espamatics
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dmitry and Maria are trying to decide what to order at a cafe.
- Дмитрий DmitryЯ хотел бы, э-э, кофе с молоком.Ya khotel by, e-e, kofe s molokom.I would like, uh, coffee with milk.
- Мария MariaА мне, э-э, просто чай.A mne, e-e, prosto chay.And for me, uh, just tea.
- Дмитрий DmitryХорошо, тогда заказываем.Khorosho, togda zakazyvayem.Okay, let's order then.
- Мария MariaДа, давай.Da, davay.Yes, let's do it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry э-э, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
