In conversations, openers and fillers are used quite often. They don't always have specific meanings. Openers are used as signals that you are about to say something, or to smooth communication. Fillers are usually used for pauses or hesitation. English also has similar expressions such as "so," "like," "you know," and so on. When you have opportunity to hear native speakers' conversation, listen carefully and examine how and when they are used. Here are some openers and fillers frequently used.
Marking a new topic
| Sore de それで | So |
| De で | So (informal) |
Saying something off the topic
| Tokorode ところで | By the way |
| Hanashi wa chigaimasu ga 話が違いますが | To change the subject |
| Hanashi chigau kedo 話、違うけど | To change the subject (informal) |
Adding to the current topic
| Tatoeba たとえば | For example |
| Iikaereba 言い換えれば | In other words |
| Souieba そういえば | Speaking of |
| Gutaiteki ni iu to 具体的に言うと | More concretely |
Bringing up the main topic
| Jitsu wa 実は | The fact is ~, To tell the truth |
Shortening the preliminary topics
| Sassoku desu ga さっそくですが | May I come straight to the point? |
Introducing someone or something you have just noticed
| A, Aa, Ara あ､ああ､あら | "ara" is mainly used by female speakers. |
Note: "Aa" can also be used to show that you understand.
Hesitation Sounds
| Ano, Anou あの､あのう | Used to get the listener's attention. |
| Eeto ええと | Let me see ... |
| Ee ええ | Uhh ... |
| Maa まあ | Well, say ... |
Asking for repetition
| E え (with a rising intonation) | What? |
| Haa はあ (with a rising intonation) | What? (informal) |
