【あの～・ano~】well.../ahh.../excuse me

あの～・ano~ = well/ahh/excuse me

You can use this to say (a bit hesitantly):

Well...
Ahh...
Excuse me...

"Ano~" can be "excuse me...(but)...". When you want to catch someone's attention, or need to interrupt someone (talking) because you need to say something, you can start with "Ano~".

When you extend the end part (no~), it will make it more gentle, like "I'm sorry to interrupt but..."

"Ano~" also works as a filler. When you need a moment to think about what to say, or recall something, you can use "Ano~".

When you use this to get someone's attention, it's more effective to say "Ano~ suimasen" instead of "Ano~" alone.

EXAMPLES

Excuse me...

Grace

あの～、もうおそいので、そろそろかえりましょう。
(Ano~, mō osoinode, sorosoro kaerimashō.)

(Excuse me but it's kind of late, shall we go (home) soon?)

ああ、そうですね。ごめんなさい。
(Aa, sōdesune. gomennasai.)

Keiko

(Oh, you're right! Sorry. )

"Ano~" as a filler

Grace

きのうみたえいが、あの～ なんというたいとるだった？
(Kinō mita eiga, ano~ nantoiu taitoru datta?)

(The movie we saw yesterday, ahhh, what was the title?)

"ていこくのぎゃくしゅう"? あれはおもしろいえいがでしたね。
("Teikoku no gyakushu"? are wa omosiroi eiga desitane.)

Keiko

(Empire strikes back? That was a good movie.)

A tip

Just like in any language, the way you say it makes a whole lot difference. Although Japanese people are becoming more and more outspoken, there still are underlying customs that value gentle, quiet, and polite manner.

In Japan, a light bow or gentle smile will go a long way. Until you get to know the person, it may be a safe strategy to keep an appropriate distance (no body contact), and maintain a gentle tone of voice.

Let's learn Japanese!