The filler word "neige"

In English, words like "uhm" and "er" are used as filler words when you're thinking about what to say. In Chinese, 那个 (nèige) is used for this purpose. This can sound a bit unfortunate to English speakers, but it's very common in Mandarin and you'll hear it several times a day around Chinese speakers.

那个 can be inserted into sentences wherever you need to pause for thought. This is similar to the slang use of "like" in English, or filler words in general.

Some examples:

• 就是那个...
• 我想吃那个... 那个...
• 这 个 啤酒 有点 那个... 那个...

Further reading

• Mandarin 'Hood: This or That? Mandarin and the "N" word
• Paris A. Law: 这个吗那个啊 sounds like “Jigga ma Nigga”