嗯
èn/ŋ̍³⁵/
The English phrase "um" is expressed in Chinese using 嗯 (èn).
嗯 is used as a filler word to express hesitation or to show that a speaker is thinking and processing information. Depending on the tone and the context of the conversation, it can also function as a casual way to say "yes", "okay" or "mhm".
Which one should you use?
While 嗯 is often used to mean "um", it can also be used to mean "yes", "okay" or "mhm" depending on how it is spoken and the situation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, the phrase 那個 can be used to mean "Um".
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is èn. The IPA is /ŋ̍³⁵/.
Did you know?
- In Chinese digital communication, repeating 嗯 as 嗯嗯 often transforms it from a simple 'um' or 'yes' into a warmer, more enthusiastic agreement.
- The character 恩 used in the phonetic component of 嗯 is the same character used in the word for 'grace' or 'kindness'.
- While 嗯 can mean 'yes', using it as a solitary answer to a superior can sometimes come across as dismissive or overly casual.
Examples in context
- 嗯。。。我可以加入你的小组嘛Um… can we join your group?This sentence is useful for showing how to use 嗯 when hesitating before asking a question.Tatoeba #4844580 by pig8322, translation #4844478 by Ishao
- 让我考虑一下 (ràng wǒ kǎolǜ yíxià)Let me consider for a moment.
- 嗯……让我想一下。Èn… ràng wǒ xiǎng yīxià.Um… let me think for a moment.
Example conversation
浩然 is trying to decide what to order for dinner.
- 浩然 Haoran你想吃什么？Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?What do you want to eat?
- 梓涵 Zihan嗯……我想吃面条。Èn… wǒ xiǎng chī miàntiáo.Um… I want to eat noodles.
- 浩然 Haoran好，那就点面条吧。Hǎo, nà jiù diǎn miàntiáo ba.Okay, let's order noodles then.
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢你，浩然。Xièxiè nǐ, Hàorán.Thank you, Haoran.
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.
