Chinese phrase
呃 è
Meaning
uh
When to use it
Uh is a filler used to pause or show hesitation. It often comes before an uncertain, awkward, or delayed reply and can make the tone sound less direct.
Example dialogue
你明天能帮我搬家吗？ nǐ míng tiān néng bāng wǒ bān jiā ma
Can you help me move tomorrow?
呃，我那天要加班，可能帮不了你。 è wǒ nà tiān yào jiā bān kě néng bāng bù liǎo nǐ
Uh, I have to work overtime that day, so I may not be able to help you.