HSK 5 · VERSION 2.0#29
Using “zhège” as a Spoken Filler
这个（口语填充语）
How it works
At advanced spoken levels, 这个 (zhège) is not always the demonstrative pronoun “this.” It can also work as a filler word in conversation, similar to:
well...
uh...
let me see...
Speakers use it when they are thinking, hesitating, or trying to organize their words.
The pattern
这个 (zhège) + Pause + Clause
Example sentences
这个，我觉得这件事还得再考虑一下。
Well, I think this matter still needs to be considered again.
他刚才说的那个问题，这个，其实我也不是特别确定。
About the issue he mentioned just now, well, I am actually not completely sure either.
这个，要不我们先听听其他人的意见？
Well, how about we first listen to other people’s opinions?
Key point
As a filler, 这个 has little referential meaning and gives the speaker time to organize a response. It is common in spontaneous speech but is usually avoided in polished writing.