nada mal
/ˈna.dɐ ˈmaw/word by word
The English phrase "not bad" is translated into Portuguese as nada mal.
nada mal is used to describe something that is reasonably good. While it functions as an adverbial phrase, it is commonly used as a standalone idiomatic expression to mean 'reasonably good'.
Meaning: reasonably good (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nada (nothing) and mal (badly/badly), literally meaning 'nothing bad'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, mal is an adverb, which is why it does not change to match the gender or number of a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈna.dɐ ˈmaw/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While nada mal expresses a positive sentiment, the word nada is historically rooted in the Latin phrase 'nūlla rēs nāta', which literally means 'no born thing'.
- In Brazil, nada mal can be used sarcastically to imply that something is actually quite impressive, often functioning as a modest understatement.
- In a casual setting, saying nada mal with a slight shrug is a very common non-verbal way to signal that something is 'acceptable' or 'satisfactory'.
Examples in context
- Bem feito! Nada mal.Well done! That's not bad.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase nada mal as an exclamation of praise.Tatoeba #2462848 by alexmarcelo, translation #2460427 by Objectivesea
- Nada mal para quem está começando agora.Not bad for a beginner.This sentence shows how to use nada mal when commenting on a beginner's progress.Tatoeba #2488966 by alexmarcelo, translation #3293462 by Blabla
- Nada mal.Not bad.This is a simple standalone use of nada mal.Tatoeba #411468 by brauliobezerra, translation #28607 by AlanF_US
- O trabalho que você realizou não é mau.The work you've done is not bad.
- A apresentação foi nada mal.The presentation was not bad at all.
- A resposta do aluno foi razoável.The student's answer was reasonable.
- A comida não está má, parabéns pelo sabor!The food is not bad, congratulations on the taste!
- O livro é razoável, acho que vale a pena ler.The book is not bad, I think it's worth reading.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new restaurant they visited.
- LucasO que você achou do jantar?What did you think of the dinner?
- MarianaO sabor estava nada mal.The flavor was not bad.
- LucasEu também achei o atendimento ótimo.I also thought the service was great.
- MarianaSim, o lugar é muito agradável.Yes, the place is very pleasant.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (nada, mal) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mal, nada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
