Not half bad Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈnɑt/ /ˈhæf/ /ˈbæd

NAHT-HAF-BAD

UK

nˈɒt/ /hˈɑːf/ /bˈæd

not-HAHF-bad

Definition

An informal, slightly humorous way to say that something is actually quite good or better than expected.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in casual speech, often to modestly praise something or someone. It can sound understated—you're surprised something is good. Not literal (doesn't mean 'half bad'); don't use in formal writing. Typical after trying food, watching a movie, etc.

• Spanish: nada mal - no está nada mal
• Portuguese (BR): nada mal - não é nada mau
• Portuguese (PT): nada mau - não está nada mau
• Chinese (Simplified): 还不错 - 不算太差
• Chinese (Traditional): 還不錯 - 不算太差
• Hindi: बिल्कुल बुरा नहीं - ठीक-ठाक
• Arabic: ليست سيئة أبداً - ليست سيئة
• Bengali: একেবারে খারাপ নয় - মনে চেয়ে ভালো
• Russian: вполне неплохо - совсем не плохо
• Japanese: なかなか悪くない - 意外といい
• Vietnamese: không tệ chút nào - cũng khá tốt
• Korean: 꽤 괜찮다 - 생각보다 좋다
• Turkish: fena değil - beklenenden iyi
• Urdu: کچھ خاص برا نہیں - توقع سے بہتر
• Indonesian: lumayan bagus - tidak jelek

Example Sentences

This pizza is not half bad!

basic

Your drawing is not half bad for a beginner.

basic

That movie was not half bad at all.

basic

Honestly, your cooking is not half bad—keep it up!

natural

For a cheap hotel, this place is not half bad.

natural

Hey, that joke was not half bad—made me laugh!

natural