How to Say "No Good" in Italian

non va bene

The English phrase "no good" is expressed in Italian as non va bene.

Non va bene is an impersonal expression used to mean "it is no good" or "it is not okay."

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase non va bene literally translates to "it does not go well."

Non va bene functions as an impersonal expression in a sentence.

If you use the adjective 'buono' instead of the adverb 'bene' in this specific construction, you would be describing a person's character rather than the quality of a situation.
In many Italian contexts, saying non va bene with a specific shrug or a shake of the head is more common than a verbal explanation.
In a professional context, saying non va bene to a superior can be seen as overly blunt, so Italians often soften the 'no good' with non è proprio ideale.

Non va bene, Tom.
That's no good, Tom.
This sentence shows how to use non va bene to address someone.
Tatoeba #4374403 by Guybrush88, translation #3371182 by CK
Non va bene discutere con te.
It is no good arguing with you.
This sentence shows how to use non va bene regarding an argument.
Tatoeba #2365421 by Guybrush88, translation #71220 by CM
Non va bene provare ad aggirare il problema.
It's no good trying to bypass the problem.
This sentence shows how to use non va bene regarding a solution to a problem.
Tatoeba #2507960 by Guybrush88, translation #2507940 by norveeg
Mi dispiace, ma il cibo non è buono.
I'm sorry, but the food is not good.
Mi spiace, ma il prodotto non è di qualità.
I'm sorry, but the product is not of good quality.
Mi dispiace, ma questo servizio non è accettabile.
I'm sorry, but this service is not acceptable.
Scusa, ma questa soluzione non va bene.
Sorry, but this solution doesn't work.
Non è giusto trattare le persone così.
It's not right to treat people like this.
Mi dispiace, ma questa macchina non funziona.
I'm sorry, but this machine doesn't work.
2 more sentences on Tatoeba

Chiara and Alessandro are checking a restaurant reservation.

Chiara

Questo orario non va bene.
This time is no good.
Alessandro

Allora cerchiamo un altro momento.
Then let's look for another time.
Chiara

Sì, cerchiamo qualcosa di più comodo.
Yes, let's look for something more convenient.
Alessandro

Va bene, controllo subito il sito.
Alright, I'll check the website immediately.

Sources

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