how should I put it?; what shall I say?; well, you know; like
A filler phrase used when searching for the right words, similar to English 'how should I put it?' or 'you know'. Often used in casual conversation.
How should I put it... that movie was a bit boring.
He's, well, you know, a bit of an odd person.
何と言うか is used mid-sentence when groping for the right expression, while あのう is typically used to hesitate before starting to speak at all.
Kanji spelling; usually written in kana.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; usually written in kana.
From 何 (what) + と (quotative particle) + 言う (to say) + か (question particle). Literally 'what to say?', used as a filler phrase.