Uh-h-h-h-h-h-h An important thing to learn in another language is what to say to fill in the silences. This is particularly important while your mind is scrambling for an illusive word, as it keeps the language flowing. Some of these expressions are slang or quite idiomatic, and some are country specific. Many are just varied expressions of agreement with what the other person has said. Try to incorporate some of these phrases to fill in some perhaps awkward silences.
Vamos a ver – Let’s see.
Entonces – Then, uh-h-h-h
Pues (often said in a long, drawn out way) – well, then…..
Vale (Spain) – okay
Sale (Mexico) – okay
Sale y vale (combination of both, used in Mexican slang) – really okay
Está bien – It’s okay. It’s good.
Claro – of course
De acuerdo – agreed
Este……..este….este….when fumbling in your head to come out with a name or a specific word.
Fíjate (fíjese) – just imagine (notice)
Me imagino – I can imagine, uh-huh
¡Qué padre! (Mexico) – How cool!
Dicho y hecho – Said and done.
