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The filler word 那个 ("nei4ge")

那个 nèige

Conjunction
HSK 2

Structure

(那个⋯⋯) (那个⋯⋯) + [anything] + (那个⋯⋯)

Translations

  • ummm
  • uh
  • well

Definition

“那个”（口语中常读作“nèi ge”）作为填充词时，用于在说话时填补思考或犹豫的空白，类似于英语中的“um”、“uh”或“you know”。

The filler word '那个' (often pronounced 'nèi ge' in spoken Chinese) is used to fill pauses during speech while thinking or hesitating, similar to 'um', 'uh', or 'you know' in English.

Usage

通常用于口语中，当说话者需要时间组织语言或回忆信息时，会插入“那个”来保持话语的连续性。它不改变句子的语义，只是填补停顿。有时也用于委婉地引出话题或表示犹豫。

It is commonly used in spoken language, when the speaker needs time to organize thoughts or recall information, inserting '那个' to maintain fluency. It does not change the meaning of the sentence, just fills a pause. It can also be used to introduce a topic politely or express hesitation.

Examples

  • 1 那个……我昨天看了一部电影，挺好看的。 (Um... I watched a movie yesterday, it was pretty good.)
  • 2 我想说的就是，那个，我们是不是应该再考虑一下？ (What I want to say is, uh, should we reconsider?)
  • 3 那个，你周末有空吗？ (You know, are you free this weekend?)
  • 4 他，那个，其实是个很好的人。 (He, um, is actually a very nice person.)
  • 5 那个，不好意思，请问这条路怎么走？ (Uh, excuse me, how do I get to this road?)

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