French word

hum

Pronunciation

IPA/œm/

Meaning

  • interjectionhmm

Example

Je dis hum quand je réfléchis.

I say hmm when I am thinking.

Illustration for hum (hmm)

More examples

Il a dit hum je vois en hochant la tête.

He said, "Hmm, I see," while nodding.

Core concept

A short nasal response at the edge between listening and speaking, signaling thought, doubt, or caution.

Common phrases

  • hum je vois

    Hmm, I see

Similar words

euh: A short filler sound used while connecting speech or finding the right word.
ah: A short sound expressing sudden insight or agreement.
ben: A short word used to signal hesitation or preface a statement.
hein: A short sound added at the end to seek confirmation.

Definition in French

Sert à marquer l'hésitation, l'incertitude ou une réserve, et qui peut aussi signaler une écoute attentive avant de répondre.

Word origin

French uses the sound-symbolic form hum for a hesitation interjection, a formation found in comparable conversational sounds across languages.

Usage tips

  • Hum is not limited to private thinking because it can serve as a listener's brief response before a fuller reply.

Other meanings

  • uminterjection

Word lists with this word