Signification
Giving a negative review
Contexte culturel
In Pakistan, calling a person 'Bura' is a heavy insult. It's better to say 'Unka rawayya bura hai' (Their behavior is bad) to avoid personal attacks. The phrase is often used in the context of 'Gunaah' (sin). Moral badness is frequently discussed using 'Bura' in religious sermons. Second-generation learners often use 'Bura' as a catch-all for 'uncool' or 'lame,' blending English slang meanings with the Urdu word. Directly saying 'Yeh bura hai' to a client's proposal can end a relationship. Professionals use 'Is mein behtari ki gunjayish hai' (There is room for improvement).
The 'Not Bad' Trick
Saying 'Bura nahi hai' (It's not bad) is a very safe way to give a compliment when you aren't overly impressed.
Gender Matters
Always check if the object is feminine. 'Chai' (tea) is feminine, so 'Chai buri hai'.
Signification
Giving a negative review
The 'Not Bad' Trick
Saying 'Bura nahi hai' (It's not bad) is a very safe way to give a compliment when you aren't overly impressed.
Gender Matters
Always check if the object is feminine. 'Chai' (tea) is feminine, so 'Chai buri hai'.
Soften the Blow
Add 'Thora' (a little) to make it less harsh: 'Yeh thora bura hai'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'Bura' (Bura, Buri, or Bure).
یہ لڑکی بہت ___ ہے۔ (This girl is very bad.)
Since 'Larki' (girl) is feminine, we use 'Buri'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to say a meal is bad to a host?
Choose the polite option:
'Itna acha nahi hai' (is not that good) is a polite euphemism.
Match the Urdu phrase with its English context.
1. Bura waqt, 2. Bura khana, 3. Bura kaam
Waqt = Time, Khana = Food, Kaam = Work/Action.
Complete the dialogue.
Ali: کیا آپ کو یہ فلم پسند آئی؟ Sara: نہیں، یہ ___ تھی۔
Film is feminine, so 'Buri' is the correct adjective.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use Bura vs Kharab
Use Bura
- • Moral actions
- • Movies/Art
- • Weather
- • General Quality
Use Kharab
- • Electronics
- • Spoiled Food
- • Engines
- • Health
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesیہ لڑکی بہت ___ ہے۔ (This girl is very bad.)
Since 'Larki' (girl) is feminine, we use 'Buri'.
Choose the polite option:
'Itna acha nahi hai' (is not that good) is a polite euphemism.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Waqt = Time, Khana = Food, Kaam = Work/Action.
Ali: کیا آپ کو یہ فلم پسند آئی؟ Sara: نہیں، یہ ___ تھی۔
Film is feminine, so 'Buri' is the correct adjective.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's very strong. It implies the person is morally bad. Use it carefully.
The opposite is 'Acha' (اچھا), meaning good.
'Bura' is general badness; 'Kharab' is specifically for things that are broken, spoiled, or out of order.
You say 'Mujhe bura lag raha hai' (مجھے برا لگ رہا ہے).
It's a bit direct. Better to say 'Is mein namak zyada hai' (There is too much salt) or 'Yeh theek nahi hai'.
Yes, for masculine plurals it becomes 'Bure' (برے).
Yes, 'Mausam bura hai' is very common for rainy or stormy weather.
It means 'Don't take it badly' or 'No offense'.
Yes, but more formal words like 'Na-pasandida' or 'Muzir' are often preferred in literature.
Add 'bohat' (بہت) before 'bura'.
Expressions liées
برا ماننا
builds onTo take offense
خراب
synonymBroken/Spoiled
گھٹیا
specialized formVile/Low-quality
ناقص
formalDefective
برا بھلا کہنا
builds onTo scold/abuse
