How to Say ‘Not bad’ in Italian
Non c'è male
nohn cheh eh MAH-leh
[nohn cheh eh MAH-leh]
💬 Usage Tip: C'è is a contraction of ci è "there is", so this is literally "there isn't bad".
Phrase Breakdown
Non
[nohn]
Not
Used to express negation, denial, refusal, or prohibition.
Non capisco quando parli velocemente.
I don't understand when you speak fast.
c'
[cheh]
there
Part of the expression c'era, meaning there was.
C'era molta confusione davanti alla stazione.
There was a lot of confusion in front of the station.
è
[eh]
is
The third person singular present of 'to be'.
Qual è il tuo nome?
What is your name?
male
[MAH-leh]
Bad
Refers to something harmful or severe.
"Male" che il gonfiore duri troppo a lungo.
"Bad" if the swelling lasts too long.
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