Do other languages have filler words like “like” in English?

Filler words are a fascinating aspect of language. In English, words like “like”, “um”, “uh”, “you know”, and “so” often pepper our conversations, especially in informal settings. These words don’t typically add any concrete meaning to our sentences, but they serve various functions such as giving us time to think, indicating that we’re not finished speaking, or softening our statements. But do other languages have filler words like “like” in English? The answer is yes. Let’s delve into the world of filler words in different languages.

Spanish Filler Words

In Spanish, one of the most common filler words is “eh”. It’s similar to “uh” in English and is often used when someone is thinking about what to say next. Another common filler word is “pues”, which can be translated as “well”. “O sea” is another filler phrase used in Spanish, similar to “I mean” in English.

French Filler Words

In French, “euh” is equivalent to “uh” or “um” in English. “Alors” and “donc” are also commonly used, both of which can be translated as “so”. “Genre”, borrowed from English, is used similarly to “like”.

German Filler Words

German speakers often use “äh” when they’re thinking, similar to “uh” in English. “Also” is another common filler word, which can mean “so” or “therefore”. “Genau” is used to mean “exactly”, but it’s often used as a filler word as well.

Japanese Filler Words

In Japanese, “ano” and “eto” are used when the speaker is thinking or hesitating, similar to “um” in English. “Ne” is a filler word that doesn’t have a direct English equivalent, but it’s often used to seek agreement or confirmation from the listener.

Chinese Filler Words

In Mandarin Chinese, “nèige” and “zhège” are used as filler words, similar to “um” or “like” in English. “Ba” is another common filler word, used at the end of a sentence to soften a statement or suggestion.

Conclusion

As we can see, filler words are a universal feature of human language. They may not add concrete meaning to our sentences, but they play crucial roles in our conversations. They help us manage the flow of conversation, express uncertainty or hesitation, and create a sense of rapport with our listeners. So next time you hear someone using filler words, whether it’s “like” in English or “euh” in French, remember that they’re not just meaningless sounds, but an integral part of our linguistic repertoire.