เอ้อ
by the way
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 by the way、well
A casual spoken interjection used to pause while searching for words or to ease into a new remark or topic.
by the way、well
A filler used when hesitating, introducing a remark, or shifting the conversation to another topic.
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อันนี้อร่อยนะ เอ้อ แฟนเป็นยังไงบ้าง an níi àrɔ̀ɔy ná ə̂ə fɛɛn pen yaŋ ŋay bâaŋ This is delicious. By the way, how is your partner doing? อันนี้อร่อยนะ เอ้อ แฟนเป็นยังไงบ้าง details
Learning notes
Explanation
เอ้อ does not contribute much literal information; it helps manage the flow of conversation. It can fill a pause while the speaker searches for words, soften the beginning of an awkward remark, or introduce a change of topic. Depending on the context, natural English equivalents include “er,” “um,” “well,” and “by the way.” It is primarily a spoken expression, though it also appears in dialogue and informal online writing.
Usage
It is used in everyday conversation when taking a moment to think, easing into a request or awkward remark, or moving on to a different topic.
Caution
This is strongly conversational and is not suitable for formal writing. It overlaps in spelling and informal usage with เออ, which commonly means “yeah,” but learners should not assume that เอ้อ always expresses agreement.
Differences from similar words
1 by the way synonyms
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เออ is commonly used as an informal “yeah” or “uh-huh” in replies. เอ้อ more noticeably serves as “er” or “well” while the speaker searches for words or introduces a remark, though the two can overlap in casual speech.