how to say um in spanish?

Question

I definitely do not speak Spanish fluently, so when I want to show that I'm hesitating or thinking of a word, I want a word to show it. For example, in Japanese, "eto" is the Japanese equivalent to "um" in English. Is there any spanish equivalent to "um"?

thanks

Answer 1

yep, pues get's my vote too. You can use it just as a pause or if you need it as a word it means, well.

(((Abrazos)))

gracias :) - sehruhh, Apr 12, 2010

Answer 2

Pues....

Answer 3

I have heard a native spanish speaker say "em" instead of "um" when really stuck trying to figure out which small easy word to use to teach my class. My professor is from Argentina, so it might be different other places.

Answer 4

Oh, yes, definitely...you will hear "este" all of the time...Sometimes it is shortened to just "e..." (kind of drawn out), but it is generally used as the full word: "este".

"Pues", as Lisa mentioned is another option, but "pues" also connotes "well..." as a space filler. "este" is equivalent to just a sound that is used as a vocalization without meaning to fill up verbal space or to get some more "think time" on the part of the speaker.

Answer 5

Have a look at these two previous threads on the subject:

non-essential words and phrases

like...ummm...uhhh....errrr

Answer 6

Lot of people commonly say "cómo se'ama?, esteee..." which really should be ¿cómo se llama? esteee..

In Mexico city. - AntMexico, Apr 12, 2010