Significado
Indicating a neutral or okay status
Contexto cultural
Modesty (Khiêm tốn) is a core value. Over-praising oneself or one's situation is often avoided to maintain social harmony. In Hanoi, communication is often more indirect. 'Không tệ lắm' might actually mean 'I am very impressed' but said with a straight face. Southerners are generally more direct, but they still use this phrase to keep the atmosphere light and friendly. In negotiations, this phrase is used to show interest without giving away too much leverage.
The 'Cũng' Factor
Always add 'Cũng' (Cũng không tệ lắm) to sound 50% more native. It adds a natural flow to the sentence.
Tone Matters
If you say 'tệ' with a high tone, it means nothing. Make sure it's low and heavy!
Significado
Indicating a neutral or okay status
The 'Cũng' Factor
Always add 'Cũng' (Cũng không tệ lắm) to sound 50% more native. It adds a natural flow to the sentence.
Tone Matters
If you say 'tệ' with a high tone, it means nothing. Make sure it's low and heavy!
Accepting Compliments
If someone praises you, 'Không tệ lắm' is a perfect, humble response that will earn you respect.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase 'Not too bad'.
Dạo này tôi không ___ lắm.
'Tệ' is the standard word used in this idiom to mean 'bad'.
Which of the following is the most natural way to say 'The food is not too bad'?
Món ăn này...
The correct word order is 'không' + adjective + 'lắm'.
Complete the dialogue with a modest response.
A: Công việc mới của bạn thế nào? B: ___________, đồng nghiệp rất giúp đỡ tôi.
This is the most natural and modest way to report a positive work situation.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say 'Không tệ lắm'?
It's a standard, neutral social response.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosDạo này tôi không ___ lắm.
'Tệ' is the standard word used in this idiom to mean 'bad'.
Món ăn này...
The correct word order is 'không' + adjective + 'lắm'.
A: Công việc mới của bạn thế nào? B: ___________, đồng nghiệp rất giúp đỡ tôi.
This is the most natural and modest way to report a positive work situation.
When would you say 'Không tệ lắm'?
It's a standard, neutral social response.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also with your boss or a teacher without being rude.
Yes, but be careful. 'Anh ấy không tệ lắm' means 'He's not a bad guy,' but it's not a very strong recommendation.
'Không tệ lắm' is usually more positive. 'Tạm được' sounds like you are just barely satisfied.
No, that sounds very unnatural. Stick to 'Không tệ lắm'.
You can ask 'Có tệ lắm không?' (Is it very bad?), but 'Không tệ lắm' is mostly a response.
In many contexts, yes! It's an understated way of saying something is great.
Yes, though they might say 'Hổng tệ lắm' in very casual settings.
Absolutely. It's one of the most common ways to describe a movie that was enjoyable.
Yes, close your lips at the end of the word.
Yes, 'Tôi không tệ lắm' is a common answer to 'How are you?'.
Frases relacionadas
Tạm được
similarPassable / So-so
Rất tốt
contrastVery good
Không sao
similarNo problem / It's okay
Tuyệt vời
contrastWonderful
Cũng ổn
synonymAlso okay
