A hesitation filler used while searching for words, equivalent to 'um', 'er' or 'let's see'. Unlike その, it refers to nothing: it only buys the speaker time.
えっとPrimary
You say this while you are still deciding what to say, like "um" or "let me see". It fills the pause and nothing more.
「ご注文はお決まりですか？」「えっと、このパスタを一つお願いします。」
"Are you ready to order?" "Um, I'll have this pasta, please."
えっと、次の会議は何時でしたっけ？
Um, what time was the next meeting again?
「昨日の映画、どうだった？」「えっと、正直あまり面白くなかったんだ。」
"How was the movie yesterday?" "Er, to be honest, it wasn't very good."
今日の夕飯はカレーにしようか、それとも、えっと、ラーメンにする？
Should we have curry for dinner tonight, or, um, should we have ramen?
えっと、鍵はどこに置いたかな…ああ、ここにあった。
Let's see, where did I put my keys... Ah, here they are.
This word is like "um" or "er." It is very similar to "ええと." But "えっと" sounds a bit faster. "えっと" is for when you are thinking. "あの" is for when you want to get someone's attention. Or when you want to speak softly to them.
Watch out: You can use 「えっと」 when you speak with friends. Do not use it in formal places. For example, do not use it in a job interview. Using it too much can make you seem unsure. A short, quiet pause is better in formal talks.
Use this when you want to think. It helps you find the right words. It is like saying "um" or "uh" in English. It tells others you are still talking.
Contrasts with(1)
Less formal alternatives(2)
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