Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
Well now, so, now then, okay
🎯 Primary Function
To indicate a transition to a new topic, action, or phase in conversation or writing.
📋 Grammar Structure
さて, is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or phrase, acting as an adverbial conjunction or interjection.
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Frequently used to begin presentations, meetings, or formal discussions.
Informal Situations
Can be used, but other more casual transition words might be preferred depending on the context.
Written Language
Used in essays, articles, reports, and formal correspondence to signal a shift or conclusion.
Spoken Language
Common in lectures, speeches, presentations, and everyday conversation when changing subjects or resuming after a pause.
💡 Common Applications
Beginning a new topic or phase
Used at the start of a sentence or paragraph to introduce a new subject or move to the next point.
Example: さて、次のトピックについて話しましょう。(Sate, tsugi no topiku ni tsuite hanashimashou.) – Well now, let’s talk about the next topic.
Resuming after a pause
Used to pick up where one left off after an interruption or a break.
Example: 休憩はここまでです。さて、始めましょう。(Kyūkei wa koko made desu. Sate, hajimemashou.) – The break is over. Okay, let’s begin.
Summarizing or concluding
Sometimes used before giving a summary or moving towards a conclusion, indicating a shift from detailed points.
Example: いろいろ見てきましたが、さて、結論を述べます。(Iroiro mite kimashita ga, sate, ketsuron o nobemasu.) – We have looked at various things, and now, I will state the conclusion.
Frequency
Moderately common, especially in situations requiring clear transitions.
Difficulty
Intermediate (N3). Understanding its function as a transition word is key.
Example Sentences
さて、今日の会議はこれで終わりです。(Sate, kyō no kaigi wa kore de owari desu.)
Okay, today’s meeting ends here.
さて、次は田中さんの発表です。(Sate, tsugi wa Tanaka-san no happyō desu.)
Now then, next is Tanaka-san’s presentation.
少し休憩しましょう。さて、午後も頑張りましょう。(Sukoshi kyūkei shimashou. Sate, gogo mo ganbarimashou.)
Let’s take a short break. Okay, let’s do our best in the afternoon too.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Signals a change
The main function is to smoothly transition from one topic or state to another.
Example: さて、話を戻しましょう。(Sate, hanashi o modoshimashou.) – Now, let’s return to the topic.
Attention-grabbing
Using さて can help regain the listener’s attention before introducing something new.
Example: 皆さん、さて、大事なお知らせがあります。(Minasan, sate, daiji na oshirase ga arimasu.) – Everyone, well now, I have an important announcement.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using it as a simple conjunction like 「そして」 (and).
✅ Use さて specifically for transitions or shifts in topic/action, not just to link sequential actions.
さて implies a more significant shift than a simple continuation.
❌ Overusing it in casual conversation.
✅ While usable informally, さて can sound slightly formal. Consider more casual alternatives like じゃあ or それじゃあ depending on the context.
The level of formality is slightly higher than very casual conjunctions.
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: Neutral to slightly formal, suitable for a wide range of situations where a clear transition is needed.
Social Situations: Common in business meetings, classrooms, presentations, and formal discussions. Also used in more structured informal conversations.
Regional Variations: Generally standard Japanese, no significant regional variations in its core meaning and usage.
🔍 Subtle Differences
さて vs. ところで
さて introduces a transition to the *next* point or action in a structured sequence. ところで introduces a completely *unrelated* topic (“by the way”).
When to use: Use さて when moving forward with the current agenda. Use ところで when changing the subject entirely.
さて vs. それでは
さて signals a transition to a new topic or phase. それでは often signals a transition to an action or conclusion based on what has been discussed.
When to use: Use さて to introduce the next item. Use それでは to indicate “in that case” or “well then, let’s do X”.
さて vs. さあ
さて is primarily a transition word for topic/action. さあ is often used to encourage someone to start something (“come on,” “well,” “here we go”).
When to use: Use さて to change subject or resume. Use さあ to prompt action.
📝 Conjugation Notes
さて is an adverb/interjection and does not conjugate.
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
Pronounced /sate/, with emphasis on the first syllable (さ).
🧠 Memory Tips
Imagine drawing a line or turning a page to signal a new section, just like さて signals a new part of the conversation or text.
Practice Exercises
（ ）今日の予定を確認しましょう。
そして
しかし
さて
だから
長い話でしたが、（ ）まとめに入ります。
ところで
なぜなら
したがって
さて
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