さ - Filler
Meanings
- filler used to gain attention or soften a statement
- you know, well, listen
- uh, hmm
- you see, so...
- come on, now
About this pattern
Explanation
さ is a casual filler particle used in spoken Japanese to draw attention, soften a statement, or invite a response. It often appears at the end of a clause or after a short phrase. It can convey a laid-back, informal tone and is common in conversation among friends or peers. It can also give a speaker a moment to think or steer the listener toward the next point. Note that because of its casual nuance, さ is less appropriate in formal contexts. Examples below illustrate how it functions in everyday talk.
Learn in context
Example sentences
Today was busy. Let's check it again.
This is the new idea. So, what do you think?
Shall we move on to the next topic, then? What's your opinion?
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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
View detailsIt would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...
View detailsduring; while; throughout; in the process of
View detailswhile; during; between; in the period of
View detailsDuring the period of / while; Before something changes or happens; Within the time when ... happens
View detailsbefore it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...
View details