так себе
tak sebe
The Russian phrase for 'so so' is так себе (tak sebe).
так себе is used to describe something that is mediocre or not very good. While it can mean 'so-so', it often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that something is disappointing or barely acceptable.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'so for oneself'.
Which one should you use?
Unlike нормально, which is a neutral or even positive way to say something is fine or okay, так себе suggests a level of dissatisfaction.
How does it change in a sentence?
так себе is indeclinable, meaning it does not change its form regardless of the gender, number or case of the subject it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
tak sebe
Did you know?
- In Russian, the phrase can be used to humbly downplay your own skills, such as saying your Russian is так себе to avoid sounding arrogant.
- The word так shares a common ancestor with the Latin word tālis, which means 'such' or 'of such a kind'.
- In a conversation, a Russian might accompany the phrase так себе with a slight shrug or a facial expression of indifference to emphasize the dissatisfaction.
Examples in context
- Учитель он так себе.As a teacher, he's only so-so.This sentence is useful for describing a person's quality as a teacher.Tatoeba #417883 by Hellerick, translation #9008487 by AlanF_US
- Мой английский так себе.My English is so-so.This sentence is useful for describing one's proficiency in a language.Tatoeba #11058177 by Fanrin, translation #11049706 by DJ_Saidez
- Так себе, ничего особенного.So-so, nothing special.This sentence is useful for describing a situation that is nothing special.Tatoeba #2757826 by marafon, translation #2886625 by AlanF_US
- Мне фильм понравился, но так себе́I liked the movie, but it was so-so.
- Норма́льноOkay.
- Как прошел твой день? – Норма́льноHow was your day? – Okay.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Sergey are talking about a movie they just watched.
- Мария MariaТебе понравился фильм?Tebe ponravilsya fil'm?Did you like the movie?
- Сергей SergeyДа нет, так себе.Da net, tak sebe.Not really, it was so so.
- Мария MariaПочему? Актеры играли хорошо.Pochemu? Aktery igrali khorosho.Why? The actors played well.
- Сергей SergeyСюжет был так себе.Syuzhet byl tak sebe.The plot was so so.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries себе, так, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
