How to Say “No Good” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to express negative feedback in another language is essential for effective communication. If you’re wondering how to say “no good” in Spanish, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to convey this phrase, highlighting regional variations only when necessary. By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of how to express dissatisfaction or deliver negative feedback in Spanish. So, let’s dive in and explore the various ways to say “no good” in Spanish!

Formal Ways to Say “No Good” in Spanish

When it comes to formal scenarios, it’s important to maintain a respectful and polite tone. Here are several ways to say “no good” formally:

1. No es bueno: This phrase translates directly to “not good.” It is a simple and straightforward way to express dissatisfaction while remaining polite and avoiding any ambiguity. For example, “El resultado no es bueno” (The result is not good).
2. No es satisfactorio: This phrase translates to “not satisfactory.” It conveys a higher level of dissatisfaction and suggests that the outcome or situation falls below expectations. For instance, “El trabajo realizado no es satisfactorio” (The work done is not satisfactory).
3. No cumple con los estándares: This phrase means “does not meet the standards.” It indicates that the subject being discussed falls short of the established criteria. For example, “El producto no cumple con los estándares de calidad” (The product does not meet the quality standards).
4. No es aceptable: Translating to “not acceptable,” this phrase is slightly stronger and implies a significant level of disappointment or disapproval. For instance, “La conducta mostrada no es aceptable” (The behavior displayed is not acceptable).
5. No es de buena calidad: This phrase means “not of good quality.” It is commonly used when discussing products or services that do not meet the expected standard. For example, “El material utilizado no es de buena calidad” (The material used is not of good quality).

Informal Ways to Say “No Good” in Spanish

When communicating informally, you have more flexibility to express yourself with casual phrases. Here are some informal ways of saying “no good” in Spanish:

1. No está bien: This phrase translates to “it’s not good” in an informal manner. It can be used in various situations to express dissatisfaction, disapproval, or disappointment. For example, “Tu actitud no está bien” (Your attitude is not good).
2. No está chido: This phrase is commonly used in Mexican Spanish and translates to “it’s not cool.” It conveys a sense of dissatisfaction or disappointment with a certain situation or outcome. For instance, “La película no está chida” (The movie is not cool).
3. No es genial: This phrase means “it’s not great” and is a casual way of expressing disappointment. It is often used when referring to an underwhelming experience or outcome. For example, “La comida no es genial” (The food is not great).
4. No vale la pena: Translating to “it’s not worth it,” this phrase is commonly used to express that something has no value or is not worthwhile. For instance, “Ir a esa fiesta no vale la pena” (Going to that party is not worth it).
5. No es lo que esperaba: This phrase means “it’s not what I expected.” It is used to convey disappointment or dissatisfaction when the outcome or experience falls short of expectations. For example, “La película no es lo que esperaba” (The movie is not what I expected).

Slight Regional Variations

The Spanish language varies slightly across regions. While the phrases listed above are widely understood and used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it’s worth noting some regional variations:

In Argentina, the informal expression “no está copado” is commonly used, translating to “it’s not cool or trendy.” In Spain, a regional variation of “no es buenísimo” may be used to mean “not fantastic.” These variations may exist, but they are not as universally understood as the previously mentioned phrases.

Conclusion

Learning how to express dissatisfaction or deliver negative feedback is crucial, and knowing how to say “no good” in Spanish is a valuable skill. In this guide, we have covered both formal and informal ways to convey this phrase while maintaining a respectful tone. Remember to consider the context and level of formality when choosing which phrase to use. By utilizing the phrases and examples provided, you can effectively communicate your dissatisfaction or disappointment in Spanish. So go ahead and use your newly acquired knowledge to express yourself confidently!