eh
/ey/
right?
'Eh' is often used at the end of a statement to seek agreement, like saying 'right?' or 'isn't it?'.
eh(Interjection)
📝 In Action
Hace un día bonito, ¿eh?
A1It's a beautiful day, right?
¡Eh, cuidado con el escalón!
A1Hey, watch out for the step!
No lo volverás a hacer, ¿eh?
A2You won't do that again, will you?
⭐ Usage Tips
The Swiss Army Knife of Conversation
Think of 'eh' as a super useful tool in conversation. You can tack it onto the end of almost any statement to check if the other person is following, listening, or agrees with you. It's similar to saying '..., right?', '..., huh?', or '..., you know?' in English.
Getting Attention
You can also use '¡Eh!' by itself, usually said a bit louder, to get someone's attention, just like yelling 'Hey!' in English.
When used alone, '¿Eh?' means 'What?' or 'Huh?' and asks the speaker to repeat themselves because they didn't hear.
eh(Interjection)
📝 In Action
—¿Quieres venir? —¿Eh? No te oí.
A1—Do you want to come? —Huh? I didn't hear you.
—Pásame el cacharro ese. —¿Eh? ¿Qué es un cacharro?
A2—Pass me that thingy. —What? What's a 'thingy'?
❌ Common Pitfalls
Formality Matters
Mistake: "Using '¿eh?' in a very formal situation, like a job interview or speaking to an elderly stranger."
Correction: In formal contexts, it's safer to say '¿Cómo?', '¿Perdón?', or '¿Podría repetirlo, por favor?'. While 'eh' isn't rude, it's very casual.
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To for 'What Was That?'
This is the most natural, quick sound to make when you miss what someone said. It's the Spanish equivalent of the automatic 'Huh?' or 'What?' in English.
'Eh' can be used as a filler word, similar to 'uhm' or 'er', when you need a moment to think before continuing your sentence.
eh(Interjection)
📝 In Action
No sé qué película ver... eh... quizás la de comedia.
A2I don't know what movie to watch... uhm... maybe the comedy.
Te llamo porque, eh, necesito un favor.
B1I'm calling you because, er, I need a favor.
⭐ Usage Tips
Buying Time to Think
Just like 'um' or 'er' in English, 'eh' is a perfect little sound to make when you need a second to gather your thoughts before you continue speaking. It signals to the listener that you're not finished yet.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: eh
Question 1 of 1
Your friend says, '¡Qué película tan buena, eh!'. What are they doing?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to say '¿eh?' if I don't understand someone?
It's not considered rude, but it is very informal. Think of it like saying 'Huh?' in English. With friends, it's perfectly fine. In a more formal situation, like in a store or talking to a professor, it's more polite to use '¿Cómo?' or '¿Perdón?'.
What's the difference between 'eh', 'ah', and 'oh' in Spanish?
'Eh' is for questioning, getting attention, or pausing ('Huh?', 'Hey!', 'Uhm'). 'Ah' shows realization or understanding ('Ah, now I get it!'). 'Oh' expresses surprise ('Oh, really?').