Translation and Meaning of: 偖 - sate

The Japanese word 偖[さて] is one of those terms that, at first glance, may seem simple, but carries interesting nuances in the everyday use of the language. If you've ever watched an anime or tried to read a manga, you've probably encountered it in dialogues or scene transitions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical uses, and how it fits into Japanese communication, from informal conversations to more structured contexts.

In addition to understanding the translation of 偖[さて], it is important to know its different uses and the subtlety it brings to sentences. Does it have origins in a specific kanji? How do Japanese people perceive it in their daily lives? These are some of the questions we will answer next, with clear examples and tips based on reliable sources. If you are learning Japanese at Suki Nihongo or elsewhere, this guide will help you master this term for good.

Meaning and translation of 偖 [さて]

The word さて is frequently translated as "well," "now," or "then," but its use goes beyond these equivalents in Portuguese. It functions as a discourse marker, indicating a transition in the subject or the introduction of a new topic. In narratives, it appears to provide a rhythm to the speech, almost like a pause before moving on. It is no wonder that many students associate it with situations where someone is pondering what to say next.

It is worth noting that さて does not have an exact translation in other languages, as its function is more pragmatic than semantic. Depending on the context, it can even be omitted in the Portuguese version without detriment to the meaning. However, in Japanese, its presence helps to organize the flow of conversation, especially in longer dialogues or detailed explanations.

Origin and writing of the kanji 偖

The kanji 偖 is rarely used in everyday life, being more common to find さて written only in hiragana. When it appears, its reading is considered ateji — that is, a representation based on pronunciation, not the original meaning of the character. Etymological studies suggest that it was borrowed from an archaic term related to "separate" or "distinguish," but this connection is of little relevance to modern use.

Interestingly, even the Japanese may find the kanji form of さて strange, as it hardly appears in contemporary texts. If you are learning to write, focusing on hiragana is the most practical choice. For those interested in obscure kanji, however, 偖 is an interesting example of how the language has evolved, abandoning complex characters in favor of simplifications.

How and when to use さて in daily life

In informal conversations, さて typically marks the beginning of an action or decision. Imagine someone finishing lunch and saying: "さて、片付けよう" ("Well, time to clean up"). Here, the word serves as a pointer, signaling that attention is being directed towards a new task. It also appears in situations where a person is thinking out loud, such as when considering options: "さて、どうしよう" ("So, what should I do?").

In formal contexts, such as presentations or written texts, さて can introduce a change of topic or summarize previous points. Teachers use it to structure explanations, and Japanese YouTubers often employ it between segments of their videos. The tip is to pay attention to these uses in authentic materials, such as dramas or podcasts, to absorb its natural rhythm.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• さて (sate) - Well then (used to change the subject)
• さあ (saa) - Let's go!
• では (dewa) - So, in this case

偖

Romaji: sate
Kana: さて
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: well; now; then

Meaning in English: well;now;then

Definition: Misunderstanding or incorrect estimation of things.

Example Sentences - (偖) sate

See below some example sentences:

偖しくもあなたと出会えたことに感謝しています。

Sasuga ni anata to deaeta koto ni kansha shiteimasu

I am grateful to have met you.

• 偖しくも (ayashikumo) - adverb meaning "in a mysterious way"
• あなたと (anata to) - personal pronoun "you" followed by the particle "com"
• 出会えた (deatta) - verb "to find" in the past
• ことに (koto ni) - particle that indicates "in relation to"
• 感謝しています (kansha shiteimasu) - verb "thank" in the present