Japanese grammar
What does A。さて、B。 mean? Japanese grammar N2
A。さて、B。 means now then…; well then… (shifting to the main topic).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Sentence A。さて、sentence B。 さて、+ next action |
| Romaji | A.sate,B. |
| Meaning | now then…; well then… (shifting to the main topic) |
Forming it
| Self-urging | さて、そろそろ帰るか。 |
|---|---|
| Topic shift | 前置きはここまで。さて、本題に入ります。 |
How to use it
Ends the introductory part to move into the main topic. Common in letters, speeches, and when prompting oneself to act.
- 「さて」 signals the END of the preceding part before moving into the main content: in Japanese letters, after the seasonal-greeting opening there is always 「さて、本日は～の件でご連絡いたしました」.
- Also used when talking to oneself while getting ready to act: 「さて、そろそろ出かけようか」.
- Different from 「ところで」 (switches entirely to an unrelated topic): 「さて」 still continues along the same line, just moving to a more important part.
Examples
前置きが長くなりました。さて、本題に入ります。
The introduction got long. Now, let us get to the main topic.
今日の仕事は終わった。さて、そろそろ帰るか。
Today's work is done. Well then, shall I head home?
Keep in mind
- Comes at the start of a sentence, followed by 「、」.
- For a complete topic change, use 「ところで」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong仕事の話は終わりです。さて、昨日の試合、見ました？
That's it for work talk. By the way, did you watch yesterday's game?
Correct仕事の話は終わりです。ところで、昨日の試合、見ました？
When switching to a completely different topic, use 「ところで」.
-
Wrong本題に入ります、さて。
Now, let's get to the main topic.
Correctさて、本題に入ります。
「さて」 must come at the beginning of the sentence.
Exam tips
- 「さて」 = now, let's get to the main topic; for a complete topic change use 「ところで」.