さ (Interjection)All right, There we go, Now, You see, Well (I don't know, let me see)

Both can appear at the beginning of a sentence to mark a transition. では・それでは・じゃあ signal a shift or next step based on context, e.g. じゃあ、行こうか ('Well then, shall we go?') さ (often extended as さあ) adds an encouraging or prompting tone, e.g. さあ、そろそろ行こうか！ ('Come on, let's get going!')

These are two similar-looking interjections with different uses. さて is a transitional phrase often used at the beginning of sentences to change the topic or move the conversation into a new phase, like 'well then' or 'now then'. In contrast, さ is a casual interjection that serves multiple functions, such as encouragement (e.g. 'all right!', 'come on!') or hesitation ('well, you see...').

さ is a common expression in casual speech with multiple distinct usages. One is as an interjection for encouragement, e.g. さあ、行こう！ ('All right, let's go!'), or hesitation, e.g. さあ、分かりませんね ('Let's see... I don't know.'). The other is as a filler that ties parts of a sentence together, e.g. 昨日さ、図書館に行ったらさ、ケンジくんがいたよ ('Yesterday, like, I went to the library, right? And Kenji was there!').

Both can be used to express emotion in casual conversation. The interjection さ is often used at the beginning of sentences and can express encouragement, e.g. さあ、行こう！ ('All right, let's go!'), or hesitation/uncertainty, e.g. さあ、分かりません ('Let's see... I don't know.'). The other usage appears at the end of phrases and functions like a casual よ, e.g. できるさ！ ('You can do it, I'm telling you!').