um
Translation
um, erm
Examples
Um, I'm not sure what to say.
Um, I'm not sure what to say.
Let me think... um... about five o'clock.
Let me think... um... about five o'clock.
Grammar Patterns
Used at the start or in the middle of a sentence to show hesitation. Um, can I ask a question?
Similar Words
Synonyms: uh, er, well
Etymology
Onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of a closed-mouth hesitation.
Memory Tips
It's the sound you make with your mouth closed ('mmm') while you're thinking ('uh').