What it means
さて is a discourse marker meaning “well then,” “now,” or “so.” It is used to signal a transition, change the topic, or introduce the next action after considering or finishing something. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence and is followed by a comma in writing. Depending on context, it can sound organized, formal, or slightly literary.
Usage note
さて is not a sentence-ending form and does not have separate familiar and polite variants. It can be used before either plain or polite sentences, but it may sound too formal for very casual conversation.
Example sentences
さて、夕食の片付けが終わったら、明日の旅行の準備を始めましょう。
Well then, once we finish cleaning up after dinner, let us start preparing for tomorrow's trip.
さて、会議の資料を確認したので、次の課題について話し合いましょう。
Well then, since we have checked the meeting materials, let us discuss the next task.