Translation guide
A filler phrase used when the speaker is searching for the right words, rephrasing, or hesitating. It signals that the speaker is thinking or wants to soften a statement.
The speaker pauses to find the right expression, often in the middle of a sentence.
Very common casual filler meaning 'how should I put it' or 'what should I say'. Used when you're thinking of the right word or phrase.
あの映画は、何て言うか、すごく感動的だった。
That movie was, how should I put it, really moving.
Slightly more formal version of 何て言うか. Used in similar situations but can appear in writing or more polite speech.
この状況は、何と言うか、複雑ですね。
This situation is, how should I put it, complicated.
Literally 'how should I say it', a bit more hesitant and wordy. Common in casual conversation.
彼の態度は、何て言ったらいいか、ちょっと冷たい感じがする。
His attitude is, how should I put it, a bit cold.
More formal version of 何て言ったらいいか. Used in polite contexts or when speaking carefully.
この問題は、何と言ったらいいか、非常にデリケートです。
This issue is, how should I put it, very delicate.
The speaker realizes they didn't express something well and wants to rephrase.
Used to rephrase or correct what you just said. Similar to 'or rather' or 'I mean'. Very common in casual speech.
彼は優しいというか、甘やかしすぎるんだよね。
He's kind, or rather, he spoils people too much.
Casual contraction of というか. Often used to change the topic or rephrase more abruptly.
あの店、美味しいって言うか、安いからよく行くんだ。
That restaurant, it's good, or rather, I go there often because it's cheap.
The speaker wants to make a potentially strong or negative statement sound less direct.
Also used to soften criticism or awkward opinions. The vagueness makes it less confrontational.
その服、何て言うか、ちょっと派手じゃない？
Those clothes, how should I put it, aren't they a bit flashy?
Politer version for softening statements in formal situations.
その提案は、何と言うか、現実的ではないかもしれません。
That proposal is, how should I put it, perhaps not realistic.
何て言うか is used when you are searching for a word or expression from scratch, while というか is used to rephrase or correct something you just said. 何て言うか often comes before the new expression, というか comes between the old and new expressions.
あの人は、何て言うか、変わってる。
That person is, how should I put it, strange.
あの人は変わってるというか、個性的だ。
That person is strange, or rather, unique.
The English phrase 'or, how should I put it' is a filler. Translating it word-for-word into Japanese (例えば「または、どう言えばいいか」) sounds unnatural. Use the set phrases above instead.