Um in Chinese is expressed through filler words such as 嗯 (èn) and 呃 (è), which speakers use when thinking, hesitating, or softening speech. This guide explains common Chinese filler sounds, how they are used naturally in conversation, pronunciation differences, and whether they appear in HSK exams.

I. What Does “Um” Mean in Chinese?
II. Common Ways to Say “Um” or Hesitate in Chinese
III. Tips for Using “Um” and Fillers in Chinese in Daily Life and Exams

Um in Chinese: Common Filler Words Guide

I. What Does “Um” Mean in Chinese?

In English, “um” is a common filler or hesitation sound—used when you need to think, pause, or soften your message. Chinese speakers also use fillers, but often with different sounds, words, and even grammar rules.

Understanding how to use these natural fillers helps you sound more fluent and gives you time to organize your thoughts while speaking.

Native Fillers and Hesitation Sounds in Chinese

Chinese Filler/Frequency	Pinyin	Typical Usage	English Equivalent
嗯	en/ng/èn	Universal, simple pause/thinking	"um," "mm," "hmm"
那个	nèi ge / nà ge	Searching for word; mild pause	"uh," "that...," "well..."
这个	zhè ge	Similar to 那个, “this…”	"uh," "this..."
啊 / 呃 / 啦 / 哦	a/è/la/o	Sound-based interjections	“uh," "er," "oh," "mm"

Note: The sound “嗯” (en) is the most direct equivalent of “um” in Mandarin, and frequently appears in daily conversation.

When to Use or Avoid Fillers in Mandarin

Use fillers in casual chats, phone calls, or public speaking (for naturalness)
Avoid overusing in formal settings (presentations, formal interviews)
Mix them with other sentence starters or politeness words for best effect

II. Common Ways to Say “Um” or Hesitate in Chinese

Using the right filler words and hesitation patterns can help you sound more like a native speaker and gives you time to think while keeping the conversation natural.

Using 嗯 (en/ng/èn) in Conversation

Scenario / Context	Example (Chinese & Pinyin)	English Equivalent	Usage Notes
Showing you’re thinking	嗯… 我不太确定。 En… wǒ bú tài quèdìng.	Um… I’m not sure.	Most direct equivalent to “um,” soft tone
Agreeing softly/politely	嗯，好的。 En, hǎo de.	Mm, okay.	Also used as a soft “mm” for agreement
Before answering a question	嗯，这个问题… En, zhège wèntí…	Um, this question…	Used for organizing thoughts

那个 (nèi ge / nà ge) as a Filler

Scenario / Context

Example (Chinese & Pinyin)

English Equivalent

Usage Notes

Searching for a word

我…那个…昨天见过他。

Wǒ… nèi ge… zuótiān jiàn guò tā.

I… um… saw him yesterday.

Drawn out, very common in real speech

Hesitating with a phrase

你…那个…什么意思？

Nǐ… nèi ge… shénme yìsi?

You… um… what do you mean?

Gained meme status as a naturalistic filler

这个 (zhè ge) and Other Small Fillers

Scenario / Context	Example (Chinese & Pinyin)	English Equivalent	Usage Notes
Stalling to think ("this…")	还有，这个… Hái yǒu, zhè ge…	Also, um…	“这个” can be used like “that...”
Softening or searching	其实，这个问题… Qíshí, zhè ge wèntí…	Actually, um, this question…	Eases into new topic or delay
Sound fillers: 啊, 呃, 哦	呃…我忘了。 È… wǒ wàng le.	Uh… I forgot.	Quick hesitation/pausing sounds

III. Tips for Using “Um” and Fillers in Chinese in Daily Life and Exams

Fillers are a powerful tool for sounding native in daily conversation and organizing your speech, but in formal or exam settings, keep them minimal, natural, and don’t let them replace clear content.

Using Fillers (“Um,” “Uh,” etc.) in Daily Conversation

Tip	Explanation
Use 嗯 (en) for natural pauses	“嗯” works like “um” or “mm” in English—use it when you need to think or hesitate naturally.
那个 (nèi ge) = “um… that…”	Draw out “那个” (“that…”) when searching for words or buying time; very common and native-like.
Combine fillers with sentences	Mix “嗯…”, “那个…”, and “其实…” to give yourself time and sound more fluent.
Don’t be afraid to pause	Native speakers often use fillers—don’t rush, and let yourself pause when needed.
Use sound fillers sparingly	Sounds like “呃,” “哎,” or “哦” are common but can sound awkward if overused—balance is key.
Fillers show politeness too	Hesitation can soften your answer, show respect, or avoid sounding too blunt in sensitive situations.

Fillers in Exams or Formal Oral Tests

Tip	Explanation
Prefer short pauses to overusing fillers	In oral exams, it’s better to have a brief, silent pause than to fill every gap with “嗯” or “那个.”
Use fillers to buy time, not stall	If you forget a word, using “嗯…” signals you’re thinking—but follow up quickly with your answer.
Maintain clarity & organization	Use fillers briefly, then move on to your main point for stronger, more confident communication.
Avoid slang/meme fillers in formal speech	Stick with more neutral “嗯…” or gentle pauses; slangy fillers (“那个”, prolonged “呃”) may sound informal.
Practice with mock tests or classmates	Record yourself, listen for “um” patterns, and train to sound smooth, not forced or empty.

Above is the full article by PREP on how to use “um” and other natural fillers in Chinese conversations, from daily chats to exam scenarios. Mastering these hesitation words will help you speak more smoothly, buy time when thinking, and sound just like a native Mandarin speaker. Keep practicing with PREP, and every little “um” takes you one step closer to real Chinese fluency.