um
word
/ˈəm/
UHM
/ˈʌm/
UHM
Definition
The word 'um' is a sound people make when they are thinking or unsure about what to say next, often used as a pause in speech.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and commonly used in speech to fill pauses. Should not be overused in formal writing or presentations. Often confused by learners with 'uh', but they serve similar hesitation functions.
Spanish: un - unaPortuguese (BR): um - umaPortuguese (PT): um - umaChinese (Simplified): 一个Chinese (Traditional): 一個Hindi: एकArabic: واحد - واحدةBengali: আ... - উঁ... - হুম...Russian: э-э... - мм...Japanese: えーと - うーんVietnamese: ờ... - ừm...Korean: 음...Turkish: ııı... - şey...Urdu: ہم...Indonesian: em... - eh...
Example Sentences
Um, I don't know the answer to your question.
basic
She said um several times during her speech.
basic
People often say um when they are unsure what to say.
basic
Um, can you help me with this problem?
natural
He always says um when he's nervous.
natural
Um, I think we need more time to finish the project.
natural