nada bom
/ˈna.dɐ ˈbõ/word by word
The English phrase "not good" is translated into Portuguese as nada bom.
nada bom is used to describe something that is of poor quality or an unpleasant situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nada bom literally translates to "nothing good".
Which one should you use?
While não é bom means "it is not good", adding nada (nothing) intensifies the phrase to mean "not good at all" or "not good whatsoever".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈna.dɐ ˈbõ/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, bom and bónus are doublets, meaning they share the same origin but entered the language through different paths.
- The word nada is frequently used in the popular expression nada a ver to mean that something is completely irrelevant or makes no sense.
- While nada bom describes a thing, Portuguese speakers often use the word ruim to describe both 'bad quality' and 'mean-spirited' people.
Examples in context
- Isto não é nada bom.This is not good at all.Tatoeba #1682921 by alexmarcelo, translation #1682678 by Spamster
- O meu inglês não é nada bom.My English is not good at all.Tatoeba #1937739 by alexmarcelo, translation #400430 by CK
- Ficar dependendo dos outros não é nada bom.It's not good to always rely on others.Tatoeba #10683538 by Shujinko, translation #10683545 by DJ_Saidez
- Desculpe, mas este prato não está bomSorry, but this dish is not good
- Desculpa, essa comida não tá legalSorry, but this food is not okay
- Valeu, mas não era bem o que eu tava esperandoThanks, but it wasn't exactly what I was expecting
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Rodrigo are tasting a new dish at a restaurant.
- MarianaO que você achou da comida?What did you think of the food?
- RodrigoSinceramente, o sabor está nada bom.Honestly, the taste is not good at all.
- MarianaEu concordo, está muito salgado.I agree, it is too salty.
- RodrigoVamos pedir outra coisa, Rodrigo.Let's order something else, Rodrigo.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (nada, bom) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
