É
/ˈɛ/
The Portuguese word É corresponds to the English filler word "'um'" used when a speaker pauses to think.
É is a filler word used to indicate a pause while the speaker is thinking of what to say next. It is a way of expressing hesitation in informal conversations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, some people use the word tipo as a filler word.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈɛ/.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'um' to fill a void, a Portuguese speaker saying é… is literally saying 'it is…' while they search for their next thought.
- While é is used as a filler, it is also the third person singular form of the verb 'to be'. Depending on the intonation, É… can mean 'Um…' or it can be the start of a statement meaning 'It is…'.
Examples in context
- Eu estava pensando… é… em ir ao cinema.I was thinking… um… about going to the movies.
- O filme foi… tipo assim… interessante.The movie was… um… interesting.
Example conversation
Mariana and Felipe are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- MarianaFelipe, o que você quer jantar?Felipe, what do you want for dinner?
- FelipeÉ… eu não sei. Talvez pizza?Um… I don't know. Maybe pizza?
- MarianaPizza parece ótimo!Pizza sounds great!
- FelipeCombinado, então eu peço agora.Deal, then I'll order now.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry é.
