不怎么样

• Pinyin: bù zěn me yàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 不怎么 = not very; 样 = 木 (wood) + 羊, manner/appearance

Meaning

Not so good; nothing special; mediocre. A mild criticism or underwhelming assessment.

A colloquial expression used to give a lukewarm or negative evaluation while maintaining politeness. Implies disappointment or that something failed to meet expectations. Often used to describe performance, quality, or ability.

Examples

1. 他的演技不怎么样，完全看不出角色的情感变化。 His acting isn't great — you can't see any emotional changes in the character.
2. 这款手机的拍照功能不怎么样。 The camera function on this phone isn't very good.
3. 别看他说得那么厉害，实际能力不怎么样。 Don't be fooled by how impressive he sounds — his actual ability isn't that great.

Usage Guide

Context: evaluation, criticism, everyday

Tone: dismissive

Do Say

• 那个网红推荐的店不怎么样。(That restaurant the influencer recommended isn't that great.)
• 他唱歌不怎么样，但跳舞很棒。(His singing isn't great, but his dancing is amazing.)

Don't Say

• 不要在正式场合用'不怎么样'评价别人 (Don't use 不怎么样 to evaluate others in formal settings — it's too casual and can sound dismissive)

Origin & History

Extension of 不怎么 (not very) + 样 (manner, quality). Literally 'not in what way' = nothing impressive.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal