えっと also: えと · えーと · えーっと · え〜と · ええと · ええっと · えーーっと · えーーーっと · えーーーーっと
Related words えっと is used when pausing to think or recall something, while あの is used to get the listener's attention before speaking or to hesitate before a request.
えっと signals that the speaker is searching for words or facts, whereas まあ softens a statement or expresses mild reservation rather than hesitation in recalling.
ええと is a common hesitation filler like 'um', while いや in this sense is closer to 'well...' when reconsidering or starting to speak.
えーと is a filler used while thinking of what to say next, similar to ううん 's hesitation sense but slightly more focused on searching for words.
何と言うか signals hesitation specifically about how to phrase something, whereas えーと is a general filler used while thinking of any word or fact.
Written forms えっと Usage 40%
Most common spelling in standard Japanese.
えーと Usage 29%
Common variant with a long vowel mark.
えーっと Usage 11%
Variant with long vowel mark and geminate consonant.
えと Usage 9%
Slightly shorter variant; less common than えっと .
ええっと Usage 5%
search-only kana form
Search-only variant with repeated vowel and geminate consonant.
ええと Usage 4%
search-only kana form
Search-only variant with repeated vowel.
エート Usage 1%
エエト Usage <1%
Etymology A natural hesitation sound; the exact origin is uncertain, but it is a common filler in spoken Japanese.
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