Meanings of 不怎么样
By ear
Play it, then pick what 不怎么样 means.
About 不怎么样
Podcast: 不怎么样
Podcast: 不怎么样
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 不怎么样
一般 (yìbān) — use 不怎么样 to emphasize dissatisfaction, whereas 一般 conveys a neutral or average quality.
This phrase is informal and best used in casual conversations rather than formal contexts. A common mistake is using it too harshly when a softer critique is needed; consider the context and the feelings of the person you are speaking to.
While 不怎么样 isn't a specific HSK vocabulary item, understanding its components can help with HSK Level 3 phrases. Focus on the structure of the phrase and practice using it in different contexts to express varying degrees of dissatisfaction.
Learners often misuse 不怎么样 by applying it in overly formal situations where a more neutral comment is appropriate. For example, saying '这部电影不怎么样' (This movie is not much) in a review might sound too harsh; using a softer phrase could be better.
Pronunciation of 不怎么样
Drill the tone of 不怎么样 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 不怎么样 to You
Let me explain 不怎么样 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 不怎么样 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 不怎么样?
Learning Lab
Knowing 不怎么样 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Idiom Spotlight: 不怎么样
Component Characters
How to say not up to much in Chinese
“not up to much” in Chinese is不怎么样
不怎么样 is an idiom used to express indifference or dissatisfaction, indicating that something is not impressive or worth mentioning. It can be used when discussing experiences, performances, or opinions that fall short of expectations, often conveying a sense of disappointment.
When to use 不怎么样
This phrase is informal and best used in casual conversations rather than formal contexts. A common mistake is using it too harshly when a softer critique is needed; consider the context and the feelings of the person you are speaking to.
不怎么样 or something close to it
一般 (yìbān) — use 不怎么样 to emphasize dissatisfaction, whereas 一般 conveys a neutral or average quality.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 不怎么样 by applying it in overly formal situations where a more neutral comment is appropriate. For example, saying '这部电影不怎么样' (This movie is not much) in a review might sound too harsh; using a softer phrase could be better.
Write 不怎么样
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 不怎么样 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 不怎么样?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 不怎么样
Yes, you can use it to express that you think someone is not impressive or lacks skill, but be cautious as it may come off as rude.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 不怎么样?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.