ANO...Excuse me...Er...

Perhaps you've heard that *Ano* is the Japanese equivalent of the English "_er..._" which one uses when looking for the right word. Well, it's true that it's merely used as a stopgap phrase. BUT :idea: , *Ano* is very often used consciously and intentionally. :arrow: To show hesitation: Let's say you're speaking to your superior, you shouldn't sound too ready to speak up, you need to express your awe or reserve. In this case *Ano* is often followed by *sumimasen-ga*. :arrow: *Ano *can be also used by itself as a signal to start a conversation. Like "_Excuse me, but may I speak to you?_"When someone says *Ano...* in a reserved way, the listener usually answers *Hai* or *Hai, nan deshoka.* :arrow: *_Ano-ne_* is a little different from *Ano*. Though it functions as a signal to show you're going to speak now, it's rather more intimate than polite. So, only use *_ano-ne_* between family and friends!

arigato gozaimashta this word will be very useful for me!!