baixa qualidade

You can use it as a noun phrase after the verb ser (to be). For example, Este papel é de baixa qualidade. You can also use it to describe a specific attribute. It works for physical objects like clothes or tools. It also works for abstract things like a phone signal or a video. If your Netflix stream is blurry, that is baixa qualidade. It’s a very versatile tool for your vocabulary.

Use it when you are shopping and find something poorly made. It’s perfect for complaining to a friend about a bad meal. You can use it at work to describe a blurry image in a presentation. Use it when you want to be clear but not overly aggressive. It sounds more objective than saying something is 'garbage'. It’s the polite way to say 'this sucks'.

Don't use it to describe a person's character or personality. That would sound very strange and robotic. If a friend is being mean, don't say they are baixa qualidade. Also, avoid it in very high-end luxury settings where you might want more specific adjectives. In a five-star hotel, you might use more sophisticated words. However, even there, people will understand you perfectly. It’s rarely 'wrong', just sometimes too simple.

Brazilians and Portuguese people value good craftsmanship and 'good' things. There is a famous concept called 'gambiarra' (quick fixes). Sometimes a gambiarra results in something of baixa qualidade. However, people usually prefer things that last. In the age of cheap online imports, this phrase is used daily. It’s the battle cry of the disappointed online shopper.

You might hear má qualidade which means 'bad quality'. They are almost interchangeable in most contexts. Some people might just say é ruim (it's bad) to be faster. In slang, you might hear fuleiro for something cheap and low quality. But baixa qualidade remains the most standard, safe version for you.