Not too shabby Meaning in English
expression
ˈnɑt/ /ˈtu/ /ˈʃæbi
NAHT TOO SHAB-ee
nˈɒt/ /tˈuː/ /ʃˈæbi
NOT TOO SHAB-ee
Definition
A casual expression meaning something is pretty good, better than average, or impressive. Used to show satisfaction or pleasant surprise about a result or situation.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, often used to downplay pride or compliment, sounds modest or humorous. Only use in casual situations. Synonymous with 'pretty good', but more playful. Not literal—never means something is actually shabby.
Spanish: nada mal - bastante bienPortuguese (BR): nada mal - até que está bomPortuguese (PT): nada mal - está bem bomChinese (Simplified): 还不错 - 不赖Chinese (Traditional): 還不錯 - 不賴Hindi: बुरा नहीं है - काफी अच्छाArabic: ليس سيئًا - جيد جدًاBengali: একেবারে খারাপ না - বেশ ভালোRussian: неплохо - вполне хорошоJapanese: なかなか悪くない - けっこういいVietnamese: không tồi chút nào - khá ổnKorean: 꽤 괜찮은데 - 나쁘지 않은데Turkish: fena değil - gayet iyiUrdu: برا نہیں ہے - کافی اچھاIndonesian: lumayan juga - cukup bagus
Example Sentences
Your drawing is not too shabby!
basic
This restaurant is not too shabby.
basic
Your English is not too shabby for a beginner.
basic
Hey, that laptop you got is not too shabby at all!
natural
Finished my exam an hour early—not too shabby, right?
natural
For a first attempt, that's not too shabby at all.
natural