Gaining fluency in a new language requires mastering not just formal expressions but also the little nuances that make speech natural. One such aspect in Japanese is how to express hesitation or pause during a conversation, often represented by the English word “umm.” This guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to say “umm” in Japanese, offering tips, examples, and exploring regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Umm”
When addressing someone more superior or in formal situations, consider using the following expressions:
1. あのう (Anō): This is a polite and commonly used interjection to express hesitation or introduce a topic. It is equivalent to saying “well” or “um” in English. For example:
あのう、ちょっとお聞きしたいのですが… (Anō, chotto o-kikishitai no desu ga…) – Well, I have a question…
2. ええと (Ēto): This formal expression is similar to “um” or “let me see” in English. For instance:
ええと、ちょっと待ってください。 (Ēto, chotto matte kudasai.) – Um, please wait a moment.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Umm”
When conversing with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use these informal expressions for “umm”:
3. えーと (Ēto): This is the less formal version of “ええと” mentioned earlier. It is commonly used in casual conversations and has a similar meaning to “um” or “uh” in English. For example:
えーと、それってどういう意味？ (Ēto, sore tte dō iu imi?) – Um, what does that mean?
4. なんていうか (Nante iu ka): This expression is often added at the beginning of a sentence to buy some time or express uncertainty. It can be translated as “how should I put it” or “let’s see” in English. For instance:
なんていうか、あれはちょっと… (Nante iu ka, are wa chotto…) – Well, that thing is a bit…
3. Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above are widely used across Japan, it’s worth noting that some regional variations exist:
5. ほんまに (Honmani): This form is specific to the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto. People from this region often replace “umm” with “ほんまに” to express hesitation. For example:
ほんまに、それって本当にそうなの？ (Honmani, sore tte hontō ni sō na no?) – Um, is that really true?
6. つまり (Tsumari): Another regional alternative, commonly used in the Tohoku region, including cities such as Sendai and Aomori, is “つまり”. It can be roughly translated as “in other words” or “so.” For instance:
つまり、あの人は何をしたかったの？ (Tsumari, ano hito wa nani o shitakatta no?) – Um, what did that person want to do?
4. Tips for Using “Umm” Appropriately
Here are some additional tips to help you use the Japanese equivalents of “umm” effectively:
- 1. Pay attention to context: The appropriateness of each expression depends on the situation and the people you are speaking with. It’s essential to consider the context and use the most suitable expression accordingly.
- 2. Observe native speakers: Listening to native speakers or watching Japanese content (movies, dramas) can provide you with a better understanding of how and when to use these expressions naturally.
- 3. Practice makes perfect: Incorporating these expressions into your daily conversations will help you internalize them and use them more naturally over time.
5. Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say “umm” in Japanese formally and informally. Remember to use “あのう” or “ええと” in formal situations, while “えーと” or “なんていうか” work well in informal settings. Additionally, you now have knowledge of regional variations with “ほんまに” and “つまり.” Combine this knowledge with attentive listening and practice, and soon you’ll integrate hesitation expressions flawlessly into your Japanese conversations. Happy learning and practice to you!
