不怎么

• Pinyin: bù zěn me
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = negation; 怎 = 乍 + 心, how; 么 = question particle

Meaning

Not very; not particularly; not really. A mild negation indicating something is below average.

An adverb used for soft negation, suggesting something falls short of expectations without being completely negative. Often used diplomatically to express dissatisfaction or to give lukewarm assessments. More tactful than direct negation.

Examples

1. 这家餐厅的菜不怎么好吃，下次换一家吧。 The food at this restaurant isn't very good — let's try a different place next time.
2. 他最近不怎么说话，好像有什么心事。 He hasn't been talking much lately — it seems like something is on his mind.
3. 我对这个项目不怎么感兴趣。 I'm not particularly interested in this project.

Usage Guide

Context: evaluation, everyday, diplomatic criticism

Tone: understated

Do Say

• 这部电影不怎么样。(This movie isn't very good.)
• 他不怎么爱说话。(He doesn't talk much.)

Don't Say

• 注意'不怎么'是委婉的否定 (Note that 不怎么 is a soft negation — saying 不怎么好吃 is more polite than 不好吃)

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (not) + 怎么 (how, very much). Softens negation to 'not particularly.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal