مش بطال
mish battal
The English phrase "not bad" can be translated into Arabic as مش بطال (mish battal).
The phrase is used to describe something that is reasonably good.
Meaning: reasonably good (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is composed of مش (not) and بطال (bad, useless or failed).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
مش بطال is used in colloquial, everyday conversation. For a formal construction, you would use لَيْسَ سَيَّئًا.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The specific phrasing مش بطال is characteristic of the Egyptian dialect.
How do you pronounce it?
mish battal
Did you know?
- In many Middle Eastern cultures, saying 'not bad' can actually be a form of 'understatement' used to express high praise without appearing boastful.
- While مش بطال means 'not bad', using the word بطال on its own in many dialects can imply someone is 'unemployed' or 'out of work'.
- Because Egyptian cinema and music are so dominant across the Arab world, almost every Arabic speaker understands مش بطال even if they have never visited Egypt.
Examples in context
- الأكل مش بطال.al-akl mish bital.The food is not bad.
- الفيلم الجديد مش بطال.al-film al-jadid mish bital.The new movie is not bad.
Example conversation
Youssef and Layla are discussing a new book they read.
- يوسف Youssefإيه رأيك في الكتاب يا ليلى؟eh ra'yak fil kitab ya Layla?What do you think of the book, Layla?
- ليلى Laylaبصراحة، الكتاب مش بطال.bisaraha, al-kitab mish battal.Honestly, the book is not bad.
- يوسف Youssefهل تنصحيني أقرأه؟hal tansahini aqra'oh?Do you recommend I read it?
- ليلى Laylaأيوه، هو ممتع جداً.aywa, huwa mumti' jiddan.Yes, it is very enjoyable.
