It's a common and versatile Chinese adjective meaning 'not bad' or 'pretty good', used for positive but moderate evaluations.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Generally positive, but not overly enthusiastic.
- Versatile adjective for good quality or performance.
- Common in everyday conversation.
Overview
“不错”是中国汉语中最常用、最基础的肯定性评价词语之一。它的基本含义是“好”、“不坏”，表示某事物在质量、性能、状态等方面达到了可以接受甚至令人满意的程度。与“好”相比，“不错”的语气更为含蓄和委婉，没有那么强烈，但仍然表达了积极的评价。
“不错”可以单独使用，也可以作为谓语、定语或补语。作为谓语时，常用来直接评价人或事物，如“这个电影不错”。作为定语时，放在名词前，如“他有一个不错的主意”。作为补语时，常跟在动词后面，表示动作的结果或程度，如“做得不错”。
在日常生活中，“不错”使用非常广泛。例如，评价食物的味道（“这家餐厅的菜味道不错”），评价天气（“今天天气不错”），评价某人的表现（“你今天的表现很不错”），评价某件物品（“这件衣服不错”），或者评价一个想法或建议（“这个计划不错”）。它是一种非常通用的积极评价。
“不错”与“好”都表示积极的评价。“好”的程度更深，语气更肯定，而“不错”则相对温和、含蓄。例如，“这个菜很好吃”比“这个菜不错”的赞扬意味更浓。“棒”、“赞”等词语气更强烈，常用于非正式场合，表达非常高的赞赏。“可以”、“还行”则表示勉强接受，不如“不错”积极。“挺好”与“不错”意思非常接近，语气也相似，通常可以互换使用。
Examples
今天天气不错，我们出去走走吧。
everydayThe weather is nice today, let's go for a walk.
他的中文说得相当不错。
neutralHis Chinese speaking is quite good.
这件衣服打折后价格不错。
informalThe price of this dress is good after the discount.
这份报告的分析结果看起来不错。
academicThe analysis results in this report look promising.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
这真不错！
This is really good!
你的想法不错。
Your idea is good.
他是个不错的人。
He is a good person.
Often Confused With
'好' (hǎo) is a more direct and stronger positive evaluation than '不错' (búcuò). '不错' implies 'not bad' or 'pretty good', while '好' means simply 'good' or 'very good'.
'还行' (hái xíng) means 'acceptable' or 'so-so'. It's a weaker positive evaluation than '不错', suggesting something is barely satisfactory or just okay.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
It's a very common adjective, suitable for most everyday situations. It expresses a positive sentiment without being overly effusive. You can use it to describe people, things, situations, or actions. It's generally considered neutral in terms of formality.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse '不错' when a stronger word like '太棒了' (tài bàng le - fantastic) is more appropriate for exceptional cases. Conversely, using '不错' for something truly mediocre might sound slightly insincere.
Tips
Use for Moderate Praise
Use '不错' when you want to give a positive but not overly strong compliment. It's a safe and common choice.
Avoid in Extreme Situations
Don't use '不错' when something is truly exceptional or truly terrible. For exceptional cases, use stronger words like '太棒了！' (tài bàng le!).
Understated Compliments
In Chinese culture, direct and excessive praise can sometimes be seen as insincere. '不错' allows for appreciation without seeming over the top.
Word Origin
The word '不错' is formed by '不' (bù - not) and '错' (cuò - wrong, mistake). Literally, 'not wrong'. This origin explains its meaning of being acceptable or correct, leading to the sense of 'good' or 'not bad'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, direct and strong praise can sometimes be perceived as insincere or boastful. '不错' offers a culturally appropriate way to express positive feedback without seeming excessive.
Memory Tip
Think of '不错' as 'not wrong'. If something is 'not wrong', it's generally acceptable or good. It’s a safe, middle-ground positive word.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“好”的评价程度更深，语气更肯定。“不错”则相对温和、含蓄，表示“可以接受”或“令人满意”，但可能不如“好”那么出彩。
“不错”非常灵活，可以在正式和非正式场合使用。尤其适合日常交流中，用来评价人、事、物或状态。
可以。“不错”可以用来评价一个人的表现、能力或者品德，表示对方做得好或者人品好，但语气比较委婉。
有的，比如“非常好”、“很棒”、“太好了”等，这些词语表达的赞扬程度比“不错”要高得多。
Test Yourself
你做的这个蛋糕味道真______！
句子表达了对蛋糕味道的肯定，‘不错’是最合适的评价。
下列哪个词语最能表达“不错”的含义？
“不坏，挺好”准确地传达了“不错”所表达的积极但不过分的评价。
请用“他”、“一个”、“工作”、“不错”和“找到”组成一个句子。
“他找到一个不错的工作”是符合中文语法和表达习惯的句子结构。
Score: /3
Summary
It's a common and versatile Chinese adjective meaning 'not bad' or 'pretty good', used for positive but moderate evaluations.
- Generally positive, but not overly enthusiastic.
- Versatile adjective for good quality or performance.
- Common in everyday conversation.
Use for Moderate Praise
Use '不错' when you want to give a positive but not overly strong compliment. It's a safe and common choice.
Avoid in Extreme Situations
Don't use '不错' when something is truly exceptional or truly terrible. For exceptional cases, use stronger words like '太棒了！' (tài bàng le!).
Understated Compliments
In Chinese culture, direct and excessive praise can sometimes be seen as insincere. '不错' allows for appreciation without seeming over the top.
Examples
4 of 4今天天气不错，我们出去走走吧。
The weather is nice today, let's go for a walk.
他的中文说得相当不错。
His Chinese speaking is quite good.
这件衣服打折后价格不错。
The price of this dress is good after the discount.
这份报告的分析结果看起来不错。
The analysis results in this report look promising.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
