How to say "um" in Japanese

• ううんCommon
  interjectionCovers the hesitating 'um/er' sense, but it also doubles as a negative grunt meaning 'no', so listeners may hear a refusal. Safer for pausing mid-thought in casual speech than for politely beginning a request.
  ウーン、どっちの道みちに行いっても迷まよいそうな気きがする。↗

  Hmm. I have a feeling I'm going to get lost whichever road I take.
• あのJLPT N5approx.Common
  interjectionThe everyday filler for 'um/er' when you need a moment or are about to address someone, e.g. hesitantly calling a shop assistant or teacher. Polite and unobtrusive, this is usually the word you want.
  あの〜郵便局ゆうびんきょくはどちらでしょうか。↗

  Uh..., where's the post office?
• ええJLPT N5approx.Common
  interjectionA drawn-out hesitation sound like 'ummm' or 'errr' while you search for words. It can be confused with the affirmative 'yes', so it fits musing or stalling rather than opening a question to a stranger.

All three are hesitation fillers said while thinking; 「あの」 is the default when getting attention or pausing politely, 「ええ」 is a lighter drawn-out hesitation, and 「ううん」 often overlaps with a negative grunt.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• ううんum
• あのsay
• んんhm
• ええum