este
/ˈeste/
The English filler word "um" is translated into Spanish as este.
In informal speech, este is a common filler used to signal a hesitation or a search for words.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈeste/
Did you know?
- The word este actually means 'this' in Spanish, meaning when you use it as a filler you are literally saying 'this' mid-sentence without a noun following it.
- Spanish speakers often use the filler pues instead of este when they are not just thinking, but trying to find a way to soften a potentially negative answer.
- Depending on the country, speakers might use o sea as a filler. While it literally means 'that is to say', it is often used as a rhythmic pause exactly like este.
Examples in context
- Este… ¿qué estabas diciendo?Um… what were you saying?This sentence is useful for seeing how to use este when pausing mid-sentence.
- Pues, creo que deberíamos…Well, I think we should…
- Este… no sé qué responderUm… I don't know what to answer
- Eh, no sé qué hacerUm, I don't know what to do
- Este… no estoy seguro de la dirección.Um… I am not sure of the address.
- Este… ¿me puedes prestar tu bolígrafo?Um… can you lend me your pen?
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- ElenaTengo hambre. ¿Qué quieres comer, Alejandro?I'm hungry. What do you want to eat, Alejandro?
- AlejandroEste… tal vez una pizza.Um… maybe a pizza.
- ElenaMe parece bien. ¿De qué ingredientes?Sounds good to me. With what toppings?
- AlejandroNo sé, este… pide la que prefieras.I don't know, um… order whichever one you prefer.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry este, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
