Native speakers use loads of little filler words in conversation. They don’t always have a direct translation, but they make you sound far more natural, relaxed, and confident.
Here are 5 of the most common ones you’ll hear in Spain...
1. “Pues…”
Pronounced "pwehs"
Probably the king of Spanish filler words.
It can mean:
- well…
- so…
- right then…
People use it when thinking, reacting, or starting a sentence.
Examples:
- Pues, no sé. → Well, I don’t know.
- Pues vamos. → Right then, let’s go.
2. “O sea…”
Pronounced "oh seh-ah"
This is similar to:
- I mean…
- basically…
- like…
It’s often used when explaining something or correcting yourself.
Examples:
- Es difícil, o sea, necesitas practicar mucho.
→ It’s difficult, I mean, you need to practise a lot.
3. “Vale”
Pronounced "bah-leh"
Technically it means “okay”, but in Spain it’s much more than that.
It can mean:
- okay
- got it
- sounds good
- right
Examples:
- Vale, perfecto.
- Vale, nos vemos luego.
4. “En plan…”
Pronounced "ehn plahn"
Very common with younger speakers.
It’s similar to:
- like…
- kind of…
- basically…
Examples:
- Y estaba en plan “¿qué haces?”
→ And I was like “what are you doing?”
5. “Bueno…”
Pronounced "bweh-noh"
A classic conversation starter.
It can mean:
- well…
- anyway…
- right…
People use it to change topic, soften a sentence, or buy thinking time.
Examples:
- Bueno, tengo que irme.
- Bueno… no estoy segura.
Final Tip...
The trick with filler words isn’t memorising them — it’s hearing them repeatedly and starting to use them naturally in small doses.
Make sure to use these on your next trip to Spain!