N3110/219

さて

さて + sentenceさて、 + clause

Meanings

Well
Well then

About this pattern

Explanation

さて is a discourse particle used to shift topics, introduce a new section, or signal a transition to the next point. It functions like “now,” “well,” or “okay, …” in English, inviting the listener to pay attention to what comes next. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence after a pause or conclusion, signaling a fresh start or a prompt to proceed. It does not convey emotion by itself; the tone comes from the following content and context.

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Example sentences

さて、話を始めましょう。

Now, let's start the discussion.

さて、次の問題に移ろう。

Well, let's move on to the next problem.

さて、どうするべきか考えよう。

Well then, let's think about what to do.

さて、彼は何を言うだろうか。

Now, what will he say?

さて、天気はどうだ。

Well, how's the weather?

Related patterns

It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X

たらいい・といい

It would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...

during; while; throughout; in the process of

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More N3 patterns

It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X

たらいい・といい

It would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...

during; while; throughout; in the process of

while; during; between; in the period of

During the period of / while; Before something changes or happens; Within the time when ... happens

ないうちに

before it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...