Umm… you know… like… what’s the word?
We all do it. We use little words and sounds to fill the silence while our brain catches up with our mouth. In English, we use "um," "er," "like," "so," and "you know." These are called filler words, and they're a totally natural part of speaking.
In Spanish, these conversational cushions are called muletillasfiller words / crutches. Learning them is a major step toward sounding less like a textbook and more like a real person. They buy you precious seconds to think and make your speech flow more naturally.
So, let's dive into the most common Spanish filler words that will make you sound like a pro.
1. Este... / Esto... (Umm... / Er...)
This is the quintessential filler word. If you only learn one, make it this one. When your mind goes blank and you need a moment to find the right word or phrase, este is your best friend.
It’s the direct equivalent of saying "ummm" or "uhhh" in English.
Example: "Quisiera pedir... este...ummm..., un café con leche, por favor." (I'd like to order... ummm... a coffee with milk, please.)
Drag the handle to compare
2. Pues (Well... / So... / Then...)
Pues is the Swiss Army knife of Spanish filler words. It's incredibly versatile and can be used in almost any situation to mean "well," "so," or "then." You can use it to start a sentence, answer a question, or just to pause and think.
Example 1 (Answering a question): "¿Vas a la fiesta esta noche?" (Are you going to the party tonight?) "PuesWell..., no estoy seguro todavía." (Well, I'm not sure yet.)
Example 2 (To think): "Tenemos que decidir a dónde ir a cenar... puesSo...... ¿quizás al restaurante italiano?" (We have to decide where to go for dinner... so... maybe to the Italian restaurant?)
3. Bueno (Well... / Okay... / Right...)
Similar to pues, bueno is often used at the beginning of a sentence to mean "well" or "okay." It can signal a transition in the conversation, express hesitation, or be used to agree with someone.
Example: "BuenoWell..., si insistes, podemos ver esa película." (Well, if you insist, we can watch that movie.)
You're about to answer a question but need a second to think. What's a natural filler word to start your sentence with?
4. O sea (I mean... / In other words...)
When you need to clarify something you just said or rephrase it, o seaI mean... is the perfect tool. It’s the direct equivalent of "I mean," "that is," or "in other words." It's incredibly common in everyday conversation.
Example: "Llegaré tarde, o seaI mean..., probablemente como a las nueve." (I'll be late, I mean, probably around nine.)
Let's practice building a sentence with this one!
Arrange the words to form a correct sentence:
5. A ver (Let's see...)
This is what you say when you're trying to figure something out, remember something, or check information. It literally means "to see," but it functions like "let's see" or "let me see" in English.
Example: "A verLet's see...... ¿dónde puse mis llaves?" (Let's see... where did I put my keys?)
A Word of Caution
While muletillas are essential for sounding natural, they can be overused. The goal is to sprinkle them in, not to drown your sentences with them.
Don't Overdo It!
Using a filler word in every single sentence can make you sound hesitant or unsure of yourself. The key is balance! Listen to native speakers to get a feel for the right rhythm and frequency.
Start Using Them Today!
The best way to get comfortable with filler words is to listen for them and then try them out yourself. Watch a Spanish movie, listen to a podcast, or check out our interactive Spanish stories to hear them in context.
Pay attention to those little words that pepper the conversation. You'll notice them everywhere! Start by picking one or two, like este and pues, and try to incorporate them into your next practice session.
You'll be sounding more natural in no time!