ahem

/əˈhem/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈhem/ (ame, ipa)

ahem — exclamation

1. a short throat-clearing sound written to show that someone feels slightly awkwar

1.感嘆詞B2
釋義

a short throat-clearing sound written to show that someone feels slightly awkward, wants people to notice them, or quietly signals doubt or disapproval.

例句

Before asking her boss for Friday off, Sana said, "Ahem, do you have a minute?"

Ahem, + polite start before an awkward request

At dinner, Lucas let out a small "ahem" when the children began shouting.

written as a small warning sound in a scene

同義詞
  • erm

    used when searching for words; it does not carry the polite warning cough of 'ahem'

  • excuse me

    more direct and fully verbal when you want attention

  • well

    can soften the start of a reply, but it is a real word rather than a sound

文法句型

Ahem, + question

"Ahem," + reporting verb

用法筆記

Commonly written just before someone speaks, especially when the speaker wants attention or feels awkward. Distinguish from 'erm': 'erm' fills a pause while you think, but 'ahem' usually suggests a deliberate throat-clear.

常見錯誤

❌Ahem, I cannot remember his name…
✅Erm, I cannot remember his name…
💡use 'erm' for simple hesitation; 'ahem' suggests a deliberate throat-clearing sound.