When learning Spanish, grammar and vocabulary are often the main focus. But if you really want to sound like a native, mastering filler words is key. These small, seemingly insignificant words are used to fill pauses, help you think, or make your speech sound more natural—just like in any language. In Spanish, filler words can add a lot of authenticity to your conversations and help you flow more smoothly.
Here’s a look at some of the most common filler words in Spanish and how to use them like a native speaker.
Pues
One of the most versatile filler words in Spanish, it means well or so; it can be used in a variety of situations. It’s often placed at the beginning of a sentence when you need time to think or when you’re responding thoughtfully.
Example:
Pues, no estoy seguro, pero creo que sí.
(Well, I’m not sure, but I think so.)
In Spain and some Latin American countries, “pues” can also appear mid-sentence to connect ideas, much like so or then in English.
Example:
Vamos a salir, pues ya está tarde.
(We’re going to leave, since it’s already late.)
O sea
It would be something like I mean / in other words and is commonly used to clarify or restate something in a more straightforward way.
Example:
Me encanta el fútbol, o sea, siempre lo estoy viendo.
(I love soccer, I mean, I’m always watching it.)
It’s often paired with gestures for emphasis and is a common go-to when you need to explain yourself further.
Bueno
It translates to well or okay and can be used as a filler word at the beginning of a sentence to signal that you’re about to explain something or to soften a statement.
Example:
Bueno, no sé si vamos a llegar a tiempo.
(Well, I’m not sure if we’re going to arrive on time.)
It’s also frequently used to transition from one topic to another in conversation.
Entonces
It means so or then and is one of most common filler words used when summarizing or concluding something. It is often used to fill pauses or organize thoughts.
Example:
Entonces, ¿qué hacemos ahora?
(So, what do we do now?)
You’ll hear this filler a lot in conversations that involve problem-solving or planning.
Ehh…
It’s another common hesitation filler in Spanish, similar to umm in English. It’s used when you’re pausing to think or searching for the right words. It’s short and simple, making it a natural way to fill gaps in speech without sounding awkward.
Example:
Eh… no estoy seguro si quiero ir.
(Umm… I’m not sure if I want to go.)
It’s widely used in both Spain and Latin America and adds a natural, conversational tone when you need a moment to collect your thoughts.ng.
A ver
“A ver” is another versatile filler, often used when someone is thinking something through. It’s like saying let’s see in English when you need a moment to figure something out or check information.
Example:
A ver, ¿dónde puse las llaves?
(Let’s see, where did I put the keys?)
It’s a polite way to pause when you’re trying to come up with an answer.
Vale
“Vale” is a very common filler word in Spain, used similarly to okay or alright in English. It’s used to show agreement or acknowledgment in a conversation.
Example:
Nos vemos mañana a las ocho, ¿vale?
(See you tomorrow at eight, okay?)
Claro
When you want to agree with someone or emphasize that something is obvious, “claro” works perfectly. It’s used much like of course or right in English.
Example:
Claro, entiendo lo que dices.
(Of course, I understand what you’re saying.)
It can also be used as a filler to show that you’re actively listening to the other person and agree with what they’re saying.
¿Sabes? / ¿No?
These are often tacked onto the end of sentences, inviting the other person to agree or showing that you’re trying to connect with the listener. “¿Sabes?” is similar to you know? while “¿no?” is equivalent to right? in English.
Example:
Es una película muy interesante, ¿no?
(It’s a very interesting movie, right?)
A veces es difícil, ¿sabes?
(Sometimes it’s hard, you know?)
Adding these to your sentences makes your conversation more interactive and natural.
Ya
“Ya” is a versatile word in Spanish that can act as a filler in different contexts. Depending on the tone and situation, it can mean already, now, or even be used to acknowledge something, similar to okay or got it in English.
Example:
Ya, entiendo lo que dices.
(Yeah, I get what you’re saying.)
Ya, vamos.
(Okay, let’s go.)
Mastering these filler words is a great way to sound more fluent and natural when speaking Spanish. Not only do they help you fill in gaps in conversation, but they also make you sound more like a native speaker. Start incorporating a few of these into your everyday Spanish, and soon, they’ll come to you naturally in conversations.
So, the next time you’re practicing your Spanish, pues, don’t be afraid to throw in a few filler words. Claro, it might feel strange at first, but with practice, you’ll sound more authentic in no time!
Keep learning about other common words in Spanish on the Basics section.