Filler Words in Spanish

Quick Answer

Bueno(so), pues(well), vale(okay) ... If you've ever had a conversation with a native Spanish speaker, you've undoubtedly heard muletillas(filler words) like these.

In this article you will learn the most common muletillas in Spanish and how they're used to keep a conversation flowing.

Muletilla literally translates as cane or walking stick. It derives from the word muleta(crutch), so it has the figurative connotation of a little speech crutch.

Using, Like, Filler Words

Muletillas are useful conversational tools that Spanish speakers use in conversations for the following reasons:

To fill the pauses in a conversation
To take a moment to think
To let others know that you’re not quite finished speaking yet
To express hesitation or uncertainty
To check that the listener understands what you're saying
To get the listener’s attention

Filler words are also great for non-native speakers because they allow you to stall for time while you think of how to say something in Spanish!

Muletillas are used in speech only, not in writing. Additionally, you shouldn’t rely on verbal fillers too much in formal contexts as doing so may have a negative impact on your credibility as a speaker.

Common Muletillas

Spanish	English	Use
a ver	let’s see	This pause filler is used to buy yourself a little time to think.
bueno	so, well	Use bueno to introduce a statement or question or when you are hesitant to respond to a question.
digo	I mean	You can use this filler word to correct yourself after you misspeak.
entonces	so	This discourse marker is used to introduce a new topic or to help you get your thoughts together before speaking.
es decir	that is to say	Use this filler word when you want to clarify or restate something.
es que	it’s just that	Use es que to give an explanation for something.
mira	look, look here	Mira is used to set the record straight or before going into a lengthy explanation.
o sea	in other words, that is to say	This hesitation form is used in the same way as the English fillers like and you know.
pues	well	This informal version of bueno is used to show uncertainty or indecisiveness. It’s also commonly used to introduce the answer to a question you weren’t expecting.
¿Sabes?	You know?	Ask ¿Sabes? when you want to check someone’s understanding or if they are in agreement with you.

Check out these examples!

examples
¿Quieres venir y ver películas conmigo? - Pues... no sé, tal vez debería estudiar. Do you want to come over and watch movies with me? - Well… I don’t know, maybe I should study.
¿Me prestas 50 euros? - A ver... ¿cuándo me vas a devolver el dinero? Will you lend me 50 euros? - Let’s see… when will you pay me back?

Region-Specific Muletillas

Every Spanish-speaking country has its own unique set of vocabulary, and that includes filler words! Let’s take a closer look!

Spanish	English	Use
en plan	like, I mean	This meaningless filler is mainly used by young people in Spain in the same way like is used by English speakers.
este	um	In Latin America, this filler word is used in the exact way English speakers use uh or um. Spanish speakers tend to really drag out the last e.
esto	um, well	Use esto instead of este in Spain.
vale	okay	Arguably the most common word in Spain, this filler is used to agree with or affirm someone.

Let’s take a look at some examples!

examples
¿Te gusta mi vestido? - Este... claro que sí. Do you like my dress? - Um... of course.
Mi novia me está volviendo loco. En plan, lo que necesito es un poco de espacio, ¿sabes? My girlfriend is driving me crazy. Like, I just need a little space, you know?