बुरा नहीं है
Not bad
Literally: Bad not is
Use it to give a cool, understated compliment without sounding overly dramatic or boastful.
In 15 Seconds
- A versatile expression meaning 'not bad' or 'quite good'.
- Used to show modest approval in casual or professional settings.
- Perfect for when you are satisfied but not overly excited.
Meaning
It is a versatile way to say something is good without being overly dramatic. Use it when you are satisfied, pleasantly surprised, or just being modest.
Key Examples
3 of 6Trying a friend's cooking
Khana bura nahi hai!
The food is not bad!
Reviewing a colleague's presentation
Aapka idea bura nahi hai.
Your idea is not bad.
Reacting to a movie trailer
Trailer bura nahi hai, dekh sakte hain.
The trailer isn't bad, we can watch it.
Cultural Background
In many Indian households, excessive praise is seen as boastful or likely to invite bad luck (nazar). Using a double negative like 'not bad' is a culturally safe way to acknowledge quality while staying humble and grounded.
The Tone Matters
If you say it with a flat tone, it means 'it's okay.' If you say it with raised eyebrows, it means 'Wow, this is actually good!'
Don't Use for People
Calling a person `bura nahi hai` can sound like you're saying they aren't a criminal, rather than saying they are a good person. Use it for things or actions instead.
In 15 Seconds
- A versatile expression meaning 'not bad' or 'quite good'.
- Used to show modest approval in casual or professional settings.
- Perfect for when you are satisfied but not overly excited.
What It Means
Bura nahi hai is your go-to phrase for 'not bad.' It is the ultimate middle-ground expression. In Hindi, we often use negatives to express positives. It sounds humble. It sounds grounded. It means something is perfectly acceptable. It might even mean something is actually great. You are just playing it cool. It is the verbal equivalent of a polite nod.
How To Use It
Using this is incredibly easy. You just drop it at the end of a thought. Did you try a new street food? Bura nahi hai. Did you see a new movie? Bura nahi hai. You do not need to conjugate it for gender most of the time. It stays steady. It is like a reliable friend who never overcomplicates things. Just say it with a slight smile.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be honest but polite. It works at a restaurant when the food is decent. Use it when a friend shows you their new outfit. It is perfect for workplace feedback that is positive but professional. Use it when you are pleasantly surprised by something you expected to be awful. It is the safety net of Hindi conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a wedding when someone asks about the bride's dress. That is a trap! 'Not bad' sounds like an insult there. Avoid it during deep emotional declarations of love. 'Our relationship is not bad' will get you ghosted. Also, do not use it if something is truly spectacular. If you see the Taj Mahal, Bura nahi hai makes you look like a robot. Use bigger words for bigger moments.
Cultural Background
Indian culture often prizes modesty and 'nazar' avoidance. We sometimes avoid over-praising things to keep them safe from the 'evil eye.' By saying something is 'not bad,' you are giving a compliment without being flashy. It is a very 'Delhi' or 'Mumbai' way of being cool. It shows you have high standards but are still appreciative. It is the language of the common man and the elite alike.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, try Theek hai (It's okay). If you want to emphasize it, say Bilkul bura nahi hai (It's not bad at all). In texting, you might see people just use the English 'Not bad' mixed with Hindi. But the classic Bura nahi hai remains the king of understated cool. It is simple, effective, and always hits the right note.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly safe for daily use. Just remember to match the gender of the object if you want to be grammatically perfect (Bura for masculine, Buri for feminine).
The Tone Matters
If you say it with a flat tone, it means 'it's okay.' If you say it with raised eyebrows, it means 'Wow, this is actually good!'
Don't Use for People
Calling a person `bura nahi hai` can sound like you're saying they aren't a criminal, rather than saying they are a good person. Use it for things or actions instead.
The 'Nazar' Secret
Indians often use this to avoid 'Jinxing' something. If you call something 'Perfect,' it might break. If it's 'Not bad,' it's safe!
Examples
6Khana bura nahi hai!
The food is not bad!
A friendly way to say you actually like the meal.
Aapka idea bura nahi hai.
Your idea is not bad.
Professional and encouraging without being unprofessional.
Trailer bura nahi hai, dekh sakte hain.
The trailer isn't bad, we can watch it.
Expressing mild interest in a casual way.
Naya gana bura nahi hai na?
The new song isn't bad, right?
Seeking agreement from a friend via text.
Joke bura nahi hai, par hansi nahi aayi.
The joke isn't bad, but I didn't laugh.
Using the phrase for a bit of dry humor.
Salary package bura nahi hai.
The salary package is not bad.
Evaluating a serious situation with practical satisfaction.
Test Yourself
How would you tell a friend their new phone is 'not bad'?
Tumhara naya phone ___ ___ ___.
`Bura nahi hai` directly translates to 'not bad' and fits the context of a modest compliment.
Complete the sentence to say 'The weather is not bad today.'
Aaj mausam ___ ___ ___.
This is a common way to describe pleasant, acceptable weather.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Bura nahi hai'
Used with siblings or best friends.
Bura nahi hai yaar!
Used with neighbors or shopkeepers.
Yeh bura nahi hai.
Used with a boss to show measured approval.
Yeh proposal bura nahi hai.
When to say 'Bura nahi hai'
Eating Street Food
Samosa bura nahi hai.
Shopping
Yeh rang bura nahi hai.
At the Office
Report buri nahi hai.
Watching Sports
Shot bura nahi hai!
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It is a very common, polite way to show approval without being over-the-top. In fact, it often sounds more sincere than constant praise.
It is better to avoid this. Saying Woh aadmi bura nahi hai sounds like you are defending him from an accusation rather than complimenting him.
Yes, technically it becomes buri nahi hai for feminine nouns like chai (tea) or film. For example: Chai buri nahi hai.
Theek hai means 'It's okay/fine,' while Bura nahi hai usually implies it is slightly better than just okay.
Just add bilkul at the start: Bilkul bura nahi hai. This makes the compliment much stronger.
It might be too casual for an interview. Stick to Acha hai (It is good) or Behtar hai (It is better) to sound more professional.
All the time! It is a classic line for a hero who is trying to act cool and unimpressed by something clearly impressive.
You can say Itna bura nahi hai. This is often used when someone is complaining about something and you are trying to cheer them up.
Yes, it is neutral. However, adding a respectful Ji doesn't really work with this specific phrase. Just keep your tone respectful.
The opposite would be Acha nahi hai (It's not good) or simply Bura hai (It's bad).
Related Phrases
Theek-thaak
So-so / Average
Kaafi acha
Quite good
Chalega
It will do / It's acceptable
Sahi hai
That's right / That's cool
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