不错

• Pinyin: bù cuò
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 (bù) — not, negative; 错 (cuò) — wrong, mistake, error

Meaning

Not bad; pretty good. A common expression of mild to genuine approval.

Literally means 'not wrong/not mistaken.' Used to praise something without being overly enthusiastic. Can also mean 'correct' in formal contexts.

Examples

1. 这家餐厅的菜做得不错。 The food at this restaurant is pretty good.
2. 你的中文说得不错，继续加油！ Your Chinese is not bad — keep it up!
3. 今天天气不错，适合出去走走。 The weather is quite nice today, perfect for going for a walk.

Usage Guide

Context: compliments, casual conversation, feedback

Tone: warm, approving

Do Say

• 你做得不错！(You did pretty well!)
• 这个主意不错。(That's a pretty good idea.)

Don't Say

• Avoid using 不错 in very formal written contexts when stronger praise is expected — phrases like 非常好 or 出色 are more appropriate for formal commendations.

Origin & History

Formed from 不 (bù, not) + 错 (cuò, wrong, mistake). The literal meaning 'not wrong' evolved into colloquial praise meaning 'pretty good.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal