لا بأس
la ba's
The English phrase "so so" can be translated into Arabic as لا بأس (la ba's).
The phrase لا بأس is used to indicate that something is acceptable or mediocre, rather than being excellent or terrible.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "no harm" or "no problem".
Which one should you use?
While لا بأس can mean "so-so", its meaning often shifts toward "fine" or "alright" depending on the speaker's tone of voice.
How do you pronounce it?
la ba's
Did you know?
- While لا بأس is grammatically formal, in casual street slang, people might use the word نص نص (literally 'half half') to express the same 'so-so' feeling.
- In many Arabic dialects, speakers avoid saying لا بأس and instead use the word ماشية which literally means 'it is walking' to describe a situation that is just getting by.
- The word بأس inside the phrase originally referred to 'might' or 'force' in old poetry, meaning لا بأس literally suggests there is no force or harm coming from the situation.
Examples in context
- لا بأس به.la ba'sa bihi.It is so so.
- الفيلم لا بأس به.al-filmu la ba'sa bihi.The movie is so so.
- الطعام كان لا بأس به.al-ta'amu kana la ba'sa bihi.The food was so so.
Example conversation
Noor and Ziad are talking about a new restaurant.
- نور Nourكيف كان الطعام يا زياد؟Kayfa kana al-ta'am ya Ziad?How was the food, Ziad?
- زياد Ziadبصراحة، كان لا بأس به.Bisaraha, kana la ba'sa bih.Honestly, it was so so.
- نور Nourهل تنصحني بتجربته؟Hal tansahuni bitajrubatih?Do you recommend I try it?
- زياد Ziadلا، هناك أماكن أفضل.La, hunaka amakin afdal.No, there are better places.
