eh
/ˈe/
The English phrase 'uh' can be expressed in Spanish using eh or este.
Meaning: space filler or pause during conversation (intj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| eh | /ˈe/ |
| este | /ˈeste/ |
These terms function as space fillers or pauses during a conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of eh is /ˈe/.
Did you know?
- While eh is a common filler, it is also used as a question tag to ask for confirmation, similar to how an English speaker might add 'right?' to the end of a sentence.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the filler este… is often accompanied by a slight upward tilt of the head or a furrowed brow to signal that you are searching for a word.
- The filler este is a linguistic coincidence that shares its spelling and sound with the Spanish word for 'this' and the cardinal direction 'east'.
Examples in context
- Eh… ¿Cómo está marchando eso?Uh… How's that working?Tatoeba #180519 by cueyayotl, translation #1510 by AlanF_US
- "¿Jura solemnemente decir la verdad, toda la verdad y nada más que la verdad?" "No." "Eh…¿qué hago ahora?""Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" "No." "Uh… what do I do now?"Tatoeba #10349174 by DJ_Saidez, translation #10348904 by espamatics
- ¿Vamos a ir a la playa mañana? Ehhh… no estoy seguro, podría haber lluvia.Are we going to the beach tomorrow? Uhh… I'm not sure, there might be rain.
- Oye, ¿has visto mi teléfono? Este… no, no lo he visto por aquí.Hey, have you seen my phone? Um… no, I haven't seen it around here.
- Eh… no estoy seguro de qué decir.Uh… I am not sure what to say.
Example conversation
Javier is trying to remember a detail during a conversation with Sofía.
- Javier¿Dónde dejaste las llaves, Sofía?Where did you leave the keys, Sofía?
- SofíaEstán en la mesa de la cocina.They are on the kitchen table.
- JavierEh… ¿estás segura de eso?Uh… are you sure about that?
- SofíaSí, las vi allí hace un momento.Yes, I saw them there a moment ago.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uh” translations and entries eh, este, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries este, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
