さて (sate)

Meaning & usage

さて is a sentence opener that means well, now or so, and signals a shift to a new topic or the next step. It stands alone at the start of a sentence, often followed by a comma, and does not conjugate or attach to verbs or nouns, with さてさて adding a more storytelling tone. It is neutral and common in writing, speeches, and explanations when moving to the main point or restarting after a pause.

Example sentences 8

1. さて、何なにしようか？

   Well, what shall we do?

2. さて、どこから手をつければいいのやら。

   So, where shall we begin?

3. さて、何が見たいのかな？

   Now, what do you want to see?

4. さて。その言葉に信を置いてよいものやら。

   Well now. Are those words to be trusted I wonder?

5. さてこれで何もかもきまった。

   Now everything is fixed.

6. さて、わたしたちの仕事を始めよう。

   Well, let's start our work.

7. さて、あなたの意見はどうですか。

   Now, what is your opinion?

8. さて本題に入ろうか。

   Well, let's get down to business.