ConjunctionsHSK 3
The filler word '那个'
那个 (nèige) is used as a filler word, similar to 'ummm' or 'uh' in English, to pause while thinking. It can be inserted anywhere in a sentence, and it's very common in spoken Mandarin.
Structure
那个⋯⋯ (+ 那个⋯⋯) + ...
Inserted wherever a speaker needs to pause; can be used alone or repeated.
Examples
- 那个⋯⋯我不跟你们一起去了，可以吗？Nèige ... wǒ bù gēn nǐmen yīqǐ qù le, kěyǐ ma?So, ummm... I won't go with you guys, OK?
- 我想吃那个⋯⋯那个⋯⋯湖南菜。Wǒ xiǎng chī nèige ... nèige ... Húnán cài.I want to eat that... ummm, you know... Hunan cuisine.
- 那个⋯⋯我明天不来了。Nèige ... wǒ míngtiān bù lái le.Ummm... I'm not coming tomorrow.
- 那个⋯⋯不好意思，我要走了。Nèige ... bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ yào zǒu le.Ummmm... sorry, but I've gotta go.
- 我想看看你买的那个⋯⋯那个⋯⋯iPhone。Wǒ xiǎng kànkan nǐ mǎi de nèige ... nèige ... iPhone.I'd like to take a look at your, ummm, you know... iPhone you bought.