さあ

さあ · saa · JLPT N5 · expression

well

saa sounds like a drawn-out so... — the so, come on now that starts things

さあ is an interjection said right before acting or urging someone: さあ、行こう means come on, let's go. Said slowly it also works as a hesitant well..., when you are unsure of the answer. Same sound, two speeds: brisk to urge, drawn out to hedge.

More Japanese words · How Japanese works