あの
ano[a̠no̞]
The English phrase "um" is translated into Japanese as あの (ano).
あの is a filler word used when a speaker is hesitating or thinking of what to say next. It can also function as a way to politely approach a stranger to start a conversation or as a way to politely interrupt.
Which one should you use?
While あの is often used to get someone's attention or start a sentence, the phrase えーと is used more strictly as a filler while searching for a specific word or piece of information. Additionally, extending the vowel to あのう makes the hesitation sound slightly softer and more polite than the clipped あの.
How do you pronounce it?
ano
Did you know?
- The filler あの is actually a contraction of a grammatical phrase meaning 'that one's'.
- In manga and light novels, you will often see あの… followed by an ellipsis to visually represent a character's shyness or social anxiety.
- In many contexts, using あの can signal to the listener that you are about to say something potentially sensitive or difficult, serving as a social warning.
Examples in context
- あの、帽子落とされましたよ。Um, you dropped your hat.This sentence shows how to use あの to get someone's attention.Tatoeba #2988167 by tommy_san, translation #7766672 by metcaslix
- あの、ちょっとお願いしたいことがあるんですけど。Um, there's something I want to ask you about.This sentence demonstrates using あの to begin a request.Tatoeba #3423791 by tommy_san, translation #4717556 by xorgy
- あの…そうですね、…Um… well, yes…This sentence shows あの being used as a hesitation filler.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori is asking Yota for a favor.
- 陽葵 Himariあの、この荷物を運ぶのを手伝ってくれますか？Ano, kono nimotsu o hakobu no o tetsudatte kuremasu ka?Um, could you help me carry this luggage?
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ。どこに持っていけばいい？Ii yo. Doko ni motte ikeba ii?Sure. Where should I take it?
- 陽葵 Himariあの、あそこのテーブルの上にお願いします。Ano, asoko no tēburu no ue ni onegaishimasu.Um, on that table over there, please.
- 陽太 Yotaわかった。任せて。Wakatta. Makasete.Got it. Leave it to me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry あの, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries あの, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
