A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Not bad" in French
The French phrase 'Pas mal' is a versatile way to say 'not bad' in many everyday situations.
Pas mal
pah MALneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone asks how something is, like a meal, a movie, or your day. It's a common, understated way to give a positive but not overly enthusiastic response.
Alternatives
- Ça vaMore of a general 'It's okay' or 'I'm fine'.
- C'est bienMeans 'It's good' and is a bit more positive than 'Pas mal'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 's'
The 's' in 'pas' is silent, so don't pronounce it.
The 'l' sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'l' in 'mal' clearly, it's not silent.
A small cultural note
While literally 'not bad,' 'pas mal' is often used to mean 'quite good' or 'pretty good' in a typically French understated way.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
Is pas mal positive or negative?
It's generally positive, meaning 'quite good' or 'pretty good'. It's a way to express satisfaction without being overly enthusiastic.
When can I use pas mal?
You can use it to describe food, a movie, a situation, or even how you're feeling. It's very versatile for everyday comments.
What's the difference between pas mal and c'est bien?
'C'est bien' is a more direct 'It's good,' while 'pas mal' is a more subtle and common way to say something is good or satisfactory.
