Grammar Info
N3 Lesson 6: 1/24

さて
well, well then

Structure
さて + (New Topic) Phrase
Details
Register Standard
使用域 一般
Information
Acting as a 接続詞(せつぞくし) (conjunction), さて is a word used when one wants to change the topic of conversation, or is ready to move on to a new point. Usually it is translated as ‘well’, or ‘well then’.
さて will appear at the beginning of a sentence, before the speaker highlights what the new topic is.
  • さて、そろそろ出(で)ますか。
    Well, let's head off soon.
  • さて、とりあえず乾杯(かんぱい)しましょう
    Well, first things first, let's have a toast.
Fun Fact
Although さて is extremely rarely written in kanji, 扨(さて) or 偖(さて) may be seen every now and then. Both of these kanji have the same meaning of ‘now’ (now being the beginning of something new).
  • 扨(さて)この問題(もんだい)答(こた)え分(わ)かる人(ひと)はいますか。
    Now, is there anyone here that knows the answer to this question.
  • 偖(さて)その荷物(にもつ)この箱(はこ)上(うえ)おいてください
    Now, please place that luggage on top of this box.
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さて、そろそろ実験(じっけん)を始(はじ)めときだ。
Well, it is about time to start the experiment.
Play  
さて、順番(じゅんばん)に並(なら)べましたか。
Well then, have you lined up in order?
Play  
さて、出発(しゅっぱつ)してもいいでしょうか。
Well then, may I take off?
Play  
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