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.
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