Traditional Chinese - Fillers for Smooth Talk

總之，___

Zǒngzhī, ___。

Anyway, ___.

Meaning: 總之，___。 (Zǒngzhī, ___。) means “Anyway, ___.” It helps you return to the main point or keep going after extra details.

When to use: Use it when the conversation wandered a little and you want to wrap up or continue. Examples: 總之，我們明天再說。 (Zǒngzhī, wǒmen míngtiān zài shuō.) Anyway, let’s talk tomorrow. / 總之，我覺得這家店不錯。 (Zǒngzhī, wǒ juéde zhè jiā diàn búcuò.) Anyway, I think this place is pretty good.

Tip: Don’t use 總之 (zǒngzhī) for every pause. It usually points back to a main idea, like “anyway” or “in short.”

老實說，___。

Lǎoshí shuō, ___。

To be honest, ___.

Meaning: 老實說，___。 (Lǎoshí shuō, ___。) means “To be honest, ___.” It introduces your real opinion and can make it sound a little softer.

When to use: Use it before a personal opinion, especially if you want to be direct but friendly. Examples: 老實說，我有點累。 (Lǎoshí shuō, wǒ yǒudiǎn lèi.) To be honest, I’m a little tired. / 老實說，我不太喜歡這個。 (Lǎoshí shuō, wǒ bú tài xǐhuān zhège.) To be honest, I don’t really like this.

Tip: 老實說 (lǎoshí shuō) is neutral, but the sentence after it can still feel strong. Use a soft phrase like 有點 (yǒudiǎn), “a little,” when needed.

我想，___

Wǒ xiǎng, ___。

I guess ___.

Meaning: 我想，___。 (Wǒ xiǎng, ___。) means “I guess ___.” It softens what you say and shows you are thinking or not 100% certain.

When to use: Use it when giving a tentative answer or opinion. Examples: 我想，我可以去。 (Wǒ xiǎng, wǒ kěyǐ qù.) I guess I can go. / 我想，他今天很忙。 (Wǒ xiǎng, tā jīntiān hěn máng.) I guess he’s very busy today.

Tip: 我想 (wǒ xiǎng) can mean “I think” or “I guess.” In casual speech, it often sounds softer than a firm statement.

我想一下，___。

Wǒ xiǎng yíxià, ___。

Let me see, ___

Meaning: 我想一下，___。 (Wǒ xiǎng yíxià, ___。) means “Let me see, ___.” It gives you a short pause before you answer.

When to use: Use it when you need a moment to organize your thoughts. Examples: 我想一下，星期六可以。 (Wǒ xiǎng yíxià, xīngqíliù kěyǐ.) Let me see, Saturday works. / 我想一下，我們先吃飯吧。 (Wǒ xiǎng yíxià, wǒmen xiān chīfàn ba.) Let me see, let’s eat first.