If you already speak English, you know how powerful filler words can be. They keep conversations going and make you sound like a real person, not like a textbook.
The same trick works in every language: learn a handful of authentic fillers, and you’ll be able to blend in fast, even if your grammar isn’t perfect yet.
Here are ten languages — no English included — with the exact fillers native speakers use every day.
1. Spanish
Fillers: Pues, este, o sea, ¿sabes?
These help you hold the floor while you think or soften what you’re about to say.
Example: Pues, o sea, no estoy seguro.
(Well, like, I’m not really sure.)
2. French
Fillers: Euh, ben, bah, quoi
Soft sounds that slip in naturally, especially when hesitating or wrapping up a thought.
Example: Ben, je ne sais pas trop, quoi.
(Well, I don’t really know, you know.)
3. German
Fillers: Ähm, halt, sozusagen, na ja
Great for softening direct statements or sounding less blunt.
Example: Na ja, wir können’s so machen, halt.
(Well, we can do it like that, you know.)
4. Italian
Fillers: Eh, allora, diciamo, boh
Perfect for adding rhythm and emotion, or showing uncertainty.
Example: Allora, diciamo che non è semplice.
(So, let’s say it’s not simple.)
5. Portuguese (Brazilian)
Fillers: É tipo assim, né?
These give your speech an easy, natural flow and make you sound relaxed.
Example: Então, assim, dá para tentar, né?
(So, like, we can try, you know?)
6. Japanese
Fillers: えっと、あの、その、まあ
Polite ways to pause while you think and make your speech sound less direct.
Example: あの、まあ、いいと思います。
(Um, well, I think it’s fine.)
7. Korean
Fillers: 음, 그, 저기, 뭐랄까
These cushion ideas and make them sound more reflective and gentle.
Example: 음, 뭐랄까, 조금 어려워요。
(Um, how should I put it… it’s a bit difficult.)
8. Mandarin Chinese
Fillers: 那个 (nèige), 就是 (jiùshi), 嗯, 然后 (ránhòu)
These smooth out transitions, buy you time, and make speech feel more conversational.
Example: 那个，然后我们再看吧。
(Um, then we’ll see after that.)
9. Arabic (Levantine)
Fillers: يعني, هيك, آه, طيب
Warm, flexible fillers that show attitude as much as meaning. They can soften, emphasize, or just keep the conversation flowing.
Example: يعني، طيب، نشوف。
(Like, okay, we’ll see.)
10. Hindi
Fillers: अच्छा (acchaa), मतलब (matlab), वो, क्या
Useful to clarify, pause, or cushion a point, and very common in everyday speech.
Example: अच्छा, मतलब हमें सोचने की जरूरत है।
(Okay, I mean, we need to think about it.)
Tips to Sound Natural in Any Language
- Copy the rhythm, not just the word.
Each filler has a tone and rhythm that native speakers expect, so pay attention to how it sounds, not just how it’s spelled. - Use them sparingly.
One or two at a time feels natural. Too many in a row can sound forced or annoying. - Observe real conversations.
Movies, interviews, vlogs, and street interviews are great places to hear how fillers are actually used. - Start using them early.
Even with limited vocabulary, fillers help you speak more smoothly and buy time to think.
Master just a few fillers in each language, and you’ll instantly sound more local. They’re small words—but they make your speech feel alive.
