Translation guide
The English phrase "not good" can express a range of negative evaluations, from mild disapproval to strong condemnation. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends heavily on context, politeness level, and what is being evaluated. Direct translation often sounds unnatural; learners should choose based on the specific nuance.
Expressing that something is not good, unsatisfactory, or poor in quality, without strong emotion.
The most direct and neutral way to say 'not good'. It is the negative form of 良い (good). Suitable for everyday conversation.
This movie is not very good.
His attitude is not good.
A casual, colloquial term meaning 'not quite good' or 'lacking something'. Often used when something falls short of expectations.
This ramen is not that good.
Means 'no good', 'not allowed', or 'hopeless'. Stronger than 良くない and often implies something is unacceptable or useless.
This plan is no good.
Literally 'not very good'. Softens the negation and is commonly used to express mild dissatisfaction politely.
The service at that restaurant is not very good.
Indicating that something is not allowed, against rules, or morally wrong.
The standard word for 'not allowed' or 'no good'. Used in rules, prohibitions, and when refusing permission.
You must not smoke here. (Smoking is not good here.)
Telling lies is not good.
Similar to 駄目, but slightly more formal or moralistic. Often used in admonishments.
A formal, written pattern meaning 'must not'. Used in rules, laws, or serious prohibitions.
You must not take this document outside.
Describing someone's skill, performance, or ability as not good.
The most common word for 'unskillful' or 'poor at something'. Used for abilities like sports, arts, languages.
I am not good at cooking.
He is not good at singing.
Means 'weak point' or 'not good at' but often implies a personal dislike or discomfort, not just lack of skill.
A humble or literary word meaning 'poor', 'clumsy', or 'unskillful'. Often used to modestly describe one's own work.
Describing a situation, outcome, or condition that is not good, often with a sense of trouble or inconvenience.
Means 'bad' in the sense of 'unfavorable' or 'troublesome'. Used for situations that are awkward, dangerous, or problematic.
This is not good as it is. (We're in trouble.)
Things have turned bad.
Slang term that can mean 'dangerous', 'terrible', or 'not good'. Very common in casual speech, but can also mean 'amazing' depending on context.
Context-dependent; can also mean 'cool' or 'awesome'. Use with care.
A more explicit phrase meaning 'not a good situation'. Used when you want to be clear and slightly formal.
This is not a good situation.
Expressing that one's health or mood is not good.
Means 'not feeling well' in terms of mood or physical sensation. Can refer to nausea, discomfort, or emotional state.
I'm not feeling good today.
Specifically refers to physical condition. More formal than 気分が良くない.
He seems to be not in good physical condition.
A formal/literary way to say 'not good' regarding health or condition. Often used in the negative form.
Saying that an action or behavior is not good from an ethical standpoint.
Can be used for moral judgments, but is mild. Often combined with adverbs like あまり or 絶対に.
Deceiving people is not good.
The direct word for 'bad' or 'evil'. Stronger than 良くない and clearly denotes moral wrongness.
Explicitly 'morally not good'. Used in formal discussions of ethics.
That act is morally not good.
Directly translating 'not good' as 「良くない」 is not always natural. Japanese often uses specific negative adjectives or verbs depending on context (e.g., まずい for situations, 下手 for skills). Choose the word that matches the nuance.
This soup tastes bad. (Not 'not good')
良くない is a simple negative evaluation. 駄目 implies uselessness or prohibition. いけない is often used for moral or rule-based prohibitions, slightly more formal than 駄目.
Adding あまり (not very) before 良くない makes the statement less direct and more polite, similar to 'not very good' in English.
The weather is not good today.
That's not a good idea.
You must not do such a thing.
I'm not good at math. (and I don't like it much)
拙い文章で失礼します。
I apologize for my poor writing.
それ、やばくない？
Isn't that bad? / That's not good, right?
気分が優れないので、休みます。
I'm not feeling well, so I'll rest.
Stealing is a bad thing.