Spanish word

pues

Pronunciation

IPA/pwes/

Meaning

  • interjectionwell

Example

Pues, no sé si puedo.

Well, I don't know if I can.

Illustration for pues (well)

More examples

Pues entonces, ven mañana.

Well then, come tomorrow.

Core concept

Short filler used to begin a reply or to introduce a consequence with light causation.

Common phrases

  • pues entonces

    well then

  • pues sí

    well yes

Similar words

bueno: Casual starter connecting turns and opening a remark.
a ver: Short interjection holding a pause while awaiting the other's reply.
eh: Short hesitant sound indicating uncertainty or a pause to consider.

Definition in Spanish

Se usa para iniciar una respuesta, ganar tiempo al pensar o indicar consecuencia.

Word origin

Derived from Latin post/postea 'after', entering Spanish through medieval Romance developments.

Usage tips

  • When a clear causal connector is needed, Spanish uses entonces or por eso rather than pues, which usually signals weaker causation or a topic shift.

Other meanings

  • thenadverb
  • soconjunction

Word lists with this word