er
word
/ɝ/
ur
/ˈɜː/
ur
Definition
A sound people make when they pause because they are thinking, unsure, or slightly uncomfortable about what to say next. It is a very common filler in spoken English.
Usage & Nuances
Used mainly in speech, not formal writing. Similar to 'um' and often shows hesitation, uncertainty, or mild embarrassment. In dialogue or transcripts, it can make speech sound natural, but too much of it can suggest nervousness or lack of confidence.
Spanish: eh - estePortuguese (BR): é - ahnPortuguese (PT): hum - ahnChinese (Simplified): 呃 - 嗯Chinese (Traditional): 呃 - 嗯Hindi: उम् - अ...Arabic: آه - أمBengali: এই... - মানে... - উঁ... (বাক্যপূর্তির সময় ব্যবহৃত শব্দ)Russian: э-э - эм - нуJapanese: えー - あのー (ためらいを表す)Vietnamese: ờ - ừm - àKorean: 그... - 음... - 저...Turkish: ee - ııUrdu: اُم... - آہ...Indonesian: eh - emm - anu
Example Sentences
Er, what is your name again?
basic
I er when I am nervous.
basic
She said, “Er, I don't know.”
basic
He kept saying er during the interview.
natural
Er, that's not exactly what I meant.
natural
There was a long er before she answered.
natural