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A1 adjective 11 min read

不好看

bù hǎokàn

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 不好看 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 不好看 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners focus on the most literal and basic application of '不好看'. This typically involves describing physical objects or simple visual experiences. A1 students should learn that '不好看' is the direct negation of '好看' (good-looking/pretty). The primary sentence structure used here is 'Subject + (很) + 不好看'. For example, '这件衣服不好看' (This shirt is not good-looking). At this stage, the word is mainly used for shopping (clothes, shoes), describing simple drawings, or giving a basic opinion on a movie. Learners are taught that they don't need the word 'is' (是) before '不好看' because it is an adjective acting as a predicate. It's a high-frequency word because it allows beginners to express a negative preference or opinion immediately. A1 learners also begin to see the '不' (not) prefix as a tool to negate other positive adjectives, making '不好看' a gateway to understanding Chinese negation. The focus is on clear, direct visual judgment without much nuance or concern for social 'face' yet.

At the A2 level, the usage of '不好看' expands to include simple social interactions and more varied intensifiers. Learners begin to use '不好看' with adverbs like '真' (zhēn - really), '非常' (fēicháng - extremely), and '有点儿' (yǒudiǎnr - a bit). For instance, '这个电影真不好看' (This movie is really not good). A2 students also learn to use the structural particle '的' to create noun phrases, such as '不好看的书' (a book that is not good to read/look at). The context shifts from just objects to experiences like television shows, games, and performances. There is also a burgeoning awareness that '不好看' is more polite than '丑' (ugly). A2 learners might start to use '不好看' to describe a person's photo or a messy room. The goal at this level is to integrate '不好看' into more complex sentence structures, including basic comparisons like 'A 没有 B 好看' (A is not as good-looking as B), which is a common alternative to saying something is simply '不好看'.

By the B1 level, students are introduced to the more figurative and social meanings of '不好看'. This includes the concept of 'face' (面子). A B1 learner should understand that if someone says '这样做不好看', they might not be talking about visual aesthetics at all, but rather about how a certain behavior looks to others socially—suggesting it is embarrassing or improper. B1 students also learn to distinguish between '不好看' and '难看' (nánkàn) more effectively, noting that '难看' can mean 'unbearable' or 'shameful' in a stronger sense. The word is used in more complex grammar, such as resultative complements or with the '把' construction in specific contexts. For example, '他把事情弄得很不好看' (He made the situation look very bad/embarrassing). At this level, the learner is expected to use '不好看' to describe abstract things like a website's layout, the flow of a presentation, or the 'look' of a professional report. The focus moves from simple 'ugly' to 'aesthetically or socially unsatisfactory.'

At the B2 level, '不好看' is used with high fluency in discussions about art, culture, and social dynamics. Learners can use the term to critique complex works of media, discussing why a plot might be '不好看' due to pacing, character development, or logical flaws. The social aspect of '不好看' (losing face) is fully integrated into their vocabulary. B2 students can navigate conversations where '不好看' is used as a euphemism for more serious failures. They also understand how '不好看' interacts with other sophisticated adjectives like '庸俗' (yōngsú - vulgar) or '琐碎' (suǒsuì - trivial). In writing, a B2 student might use '不好看' to describe the 'unsightly' nature of urban decay or the 'unappealing' aspects of a policy. They are also aware of the regional variations and how '不好看' might be substituted with slang in different parts of the Chinese-speaking world. The emphasis here is on precision—knowing exactly when '不好看' is the right word versus a more specific artistic or social critique.

At the C1 level, the learner understands '不好看' within the context of Chinese aesthetics and literature. They can analyze how '不好看' is used in classical or modern literature to describe not just physical ugliness but moral or spiritual failings. The term is seen as part of a spectrum of beauty (美 - měi) and its absence. C1 learners can use '不好看' in academic or professional critiques of design philosophy, explaining how certain elements lead to an 'unappealing' (不好看) result. They are also adept at using the term in high-stakes social negotiations where 'giving face' is crucial, using '不好看' to subtly warn someone that their actions are damaging their reputation. The word is no longer just a simple adjective; it is a tool for nuanced social and artistic commentary. C1 students can also recognize when '不好看' is used ironically or sarcastically in media and can respond appropriately with complex counter-arguments.

At the C2 level, '不好看' is mastered to the point of native-like intuition. The learner understands the deepest cultural roots of why certain things are considered 'not good-looking' in a Chinese context, from traditional art forms to modern social norms. They can engage in philosophical debates about the nature of the 'un-beautiful' and how '不好看' serves as a necessary contrast in the pursuit of '美' (beauty). C2 speakers can use the term with extreme subtlety, perhaps using it in a joke or a complex metaphor that relies on the word's multiple layers of meaning (visual, experiential, social). They can switch effortlessly between the informal, everyday use of the word and its more profound implications in social psychology. For a C2 learner, '不好看' is a versatile brush with which they can paint a wide range of negative evaluations, always choosing the right intensity and context to match the sophisticated demands of any conversation or written piece.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

不好看 in 30 Seconds

Primary adjective meaning 'not good-looking' or 'unattractive,' used for people, objects, and visual media.
Commonly used to describe movies or books as 'boring' or 'not worth watching/reading.'
Carries a social meaning of 'embarrassing' or 'losing face' in awkward interpersonal situations.
A polite, mild alternative to the harsher word '丑' (chǒu), which means 'ugly'.

The Chinese term 不好看 (bù hǎokàn) is a foundational adjective that every beginner learner encounters early in their journey. At its most literal level, it is a compound of three characters: bù (not), hǎo (good), and kàn (to look or see). Combined, they create a versatile descriptor that translates most directly to 'not good-looking' or 'unattractive.' However, its usage extends far beyond physical appearance, making it a critical word for expressing dissatisfaction or negative aesthetic judgment in various contexts.

Physical Appearance: When describing a person, '不好看' is a relatively mild way to say someone is not attractive. While '丑' (chǒu) means 'ugly' and can be quite harsh or insulting, '不好看' serves as a softer, more polite negation of beauty. It is frequently used for clothing, accessories, or artistic objects that lack visual appeal.

我觉得这件衣服不好看。(I think this piece of clothing is not good-looking.)

Media and Entertainment: In the context of movies, television shows, books, or performances, '不好看' means 'not worth watching' or 'boring.' If a friend asks if a movie was good, and you reply '不好看,' you aren't necessarily saying the cinematography was ugly; you are saying the overall experience was uninteresting or poorly executed.

那个电影真不好看，我睡着了。(That movie was really not good; I fell asleep.)

Social Face and Situations: In more advanced usage, the term describes situations that are embarrassing, shameful, or 'lose face.' If someone behaves poorly in public, they might make a situation 'look bad' (面子上不好看), implying a loss of dignity or social standing. This reflects the deep Chinese cultural emphasis on 'face' (面子).

他的态度让事情变得很不好看。(His attitude made the situation very awkward/ugly.)

Furthermore, the term is highly productive in daily conversation. Because it is composed of simple, high-frequency characters, even those with minimal Chinese knowledge can utilize it to express a wide range of negative visual or experiential opinions. Whether you are critiquing a painting, a hairstyle, or a professional presentation, '不好看' conveys a sense of aesthetic failure or lack of appeal. In the digital age, it is also used to describe user interfaces (UI) or website designs that are clunky or visually unappealing. Essentially, if the visual input does not please the eye or the mind, '不好看' is the go-to phrase. It captures the essence of 'unsightly' in a way that is accessible yet nuanced enough to be used by native speakers in complex social negotiations.

Using 不好看 correctly involves understanding its role as a predicative adjective. In Chinese, you typically do not need the verb 'to be' (是 - shì) when using adjectives to describe a subject. Instead, you use an adverb of degree like '很' (hěn - very) or '非常' (fēicháng - extremely) before the adjective, or simply '不' to negate the positive form. However, since '不好看' already contains the negation '不', it functions slightly differently.

Basic Structure: Subject + Adverb + 不好看: The most common way to use the word is by placing it after the subject. Even though '不好看' means 'not good-looking,' you can still add intensifiers like '很' to say 'very not good-looking' (very unattractive).

这双鞋子很不好看。(These shoes are very unattractive.)

Modifying Nouns: 不好看的 + Noun: When you want to describe a noun directly (e.g., 'an ugly shirt'), you must use the structural particle '的' (de) between the adjective and the noun.

我不买不好看的衣服。(I don't buy unattractive clothes.)

Comparing Things: A 比 B 不好看: While you can use '不好看' in comparisons, it is more common to say 'A 没有 B 好看' (A is not as good-looking as B). However, 'A 比 B 不好看' is grammatically possible when emphasizing the lack of beauty.

他的画比我的更不好看。(His painting is even more unattractive than mine.)

这个颜色配那个颜色真不好看。(This color paired with that color is really not good-looking.)

When using '不好看' to describe people, it is essential to be mindful of the social context. While it is a 'safer' word than '丑', it is still a negative judgment. In many Chinese social interactions, people might use even more indirect phrases like '不太好看' (not too good-looking) or '一般' (ordinary/average) to avoid offending the other person. However, among close friends, '不好看' is used freely to give honest opinions on fashion choices or photos. In professional settings, '不好看' might be used to describe a graph, a slide deck, or a report layout that lacks clarity or visual professionalism. The term is also used in the phrase '难看' (nánkàn), which is a close synonym but often carries a stronger sense of being 'hard to look at' or 'disgusting' in some contexts. Mastery of '不好看' involves knowing when to use it directly and when to soften it with adverbs to maintain social harmony.

In everyday life in China or any Chinese-speaking community, 不好看 is ubiquitous. You will hear it in shopping malls, cinemas, art galleries, and even in corporate boardrooms. Its frequency is high because it covers a broad spectrum of visual and experiential dissatisfaction. Understanding the specific environments where this word pops up will help you grasp its nuances and cultural weight.

At the Shopping Mall: This is perhaps the most common place to hear the word. Friends shopping together will use it to give feedback on clothes. '这件衣服显得我很胖，不好看' (This shirt makes me look fat; it's not good-looking). It's the standard way to reject a garment based on aesthetics.

这双鞋的设计太奇怪了，真不好看。(The design of these shoes is too strange; they are really not good-looking.)

Exiting a Cinema: In the context of entertainment, '不好看' is the most common critique for a boring movie. While English speakers might say 'the movie was bad,' Chinese speakers almost always say it was 'not good to watch.' It implies the storytelling or acting failed to engage the viewer.

大家都说这个电影好，但我觉得很不好看。(Everyone says this movie is good, but I think it's not good at all.)

Social and Professional Conflict: You might hear a manager say '这样做，大家脸上都不好看' (If we do it this way, everyone will lose face/it will look bad for everyone). Here, the word transcends visual beauty and enters the realm of social reputation and 'face.' It describes a situation that is awkward, shameful, or reflects poorly on those involved.

别在外面吵架，太不好看了。(Don't argue in public; it's very embarrassing/looks bad.)

Furthermore, you'll encounter '不好看' in the world of photography and social media. When people take selfies or group photos, they often scrutinize the result immediately. If the lighting is poor or the angle is unflattering, someone will inevitably say, '这张拍得不好看，删了吧' (This photo was taken poorly/I look bad in this; let's delete it). This usage highlights how '不好看' is tied to the modern obsession with image and presentation. In an academic or literary context, a critic might describe a prose style as '不好看,' meaning it lacks grace or is difficult to read. Thus, the word moves from the physical world of objects and people into the abstract world of ideas and social standing. Whether it's a messy room, a boring book, or a public tantrum, '不好看' is the universal Chinese label for things that fail to meet aesthetic or social standards.

While 不好看 is a relatively simple term, English speakers often make specific errors when applying it, largely due to differences in how 'beauty' and 'badness' are categorized in Chinese. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid social awkwardness.

Mistake 1: Confusing '不好看' with '不美': While '美' (měi) means beautiful, '不美' is rarely used in spoken conversation to describe things that are ugly. '不美' sounds very formal or poetic. In daily life, if something isn't beautiful, you should use '不好看' or '难看.' Using '不美' in a clothing store would sound quite strange and overly dramatic.

Incorrect: 他的衣服不美。(His clothes are not beautiful - sounds weirdly poetic.)
Correct: 他的衣服不好看。(His clothes are not good-looking.)

Mistake 2: Overusing '不好看' for Taste or Sound: '不好看' is strictly for things you *see* or *experience visually* (like a movie). You cannot use it for food that tastes bad (use '不好吃' - bù hǎochī) or music that sounds bad (use '不好听' - bù hǎotīng). Beginner learners often try to use '不好看' as a general 'bad,' but it must remain tied to the eyes.

Incorrect: 这首歌不好看。(This song is not good-looking - wrong!)
Correct: 这首歌不好听。(This song is not good to listen to.)

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Softness of '不好看' vs. '丑': Some learners use '丑' (chǒu) for everything unattractive. However, '丑' is very strong. If you tell a friend their new haircut is '丑,' you might end the friendship. '不好看' is the socially acceptable way to express a negative opinion about someone's appearance or choices.

如果你说他丑，他会不高兴。最好说他不好看。(If you say he is ugly, he will be unhappy. Better to say he is not good-looking.)

Another common mistake is the placement of '不.' Some students try to say '好不看,' which is incorrect. The negation must come at the very beginning of the phrase. Additionally, when using the word to describe a movie, don't confuse it with '不好' (not good). While '电影不好' is grammatically correct, '电影不好看' is the idiomatic way to say the movie was boring or poorly made. Finally, be careful with the word '难看' (nánkàn). While often interchangeable with '不好看,' '难看' can sometimes imply that something is physically repulsive or that a situation is extremely dire. For beginners, sticking with '不好看' is a safer, more versatile choice that covers most negative aesthetic judgments without being overly offensive or specific.

To truly master Chinese, you need to know how 不好看 fits into the wider ecosystem of aesthetic descriptors. There are several words that overlap in meaning but carry different intensities or specific contexts. Understanding these will allow you to express your opinions with more precision.

难看 (nánkàn) vs. 不好看: '难看' literally means 'hard to look at.' It is stronger than '不好看.' While '不好看' simply means something lacks beauty, '难看' suggests it is actively unpleasant to the eye. It is also used more frequently for very embarrassing social situations.

他的脸色很难看。(His facial expression looks very bad/sickly—you wouldn't use '不好看' here.)

丑 (chǒu) vs. 不好看: '丑' is the direct translation of 'ugly.' It is blunt and can be an insult. '不好看' is the polite way to describe someone or something that isn't pretty. Use '丑' for monsters or truly hideous objects; use '不好看' for a dress you just don't like.

这个怪物长得很丑。(This monster looks very ugly.)

乏味 (fáwèi) vs. 不好看 (for movies/books): When critiquing a book or movie, '不好看' is common and informal. '乏味' (tasteless/dull) is more formal and specific. If you are writing a professional review, you might use '乏味' to describe a boring plot, whereas in conversation, you'd just say '不好看.'

那个节目很不好看，太乏味了。(That show is not good; it's too dull.)

In summary, while '不好看' is your primary tool for expressing negative aesthetic opinions, knowing these alternatives adds texture to your Chinese. Use '难看' when the visual is truly jarring or the social situation is failing. Use '丑' sparingly and only when bluntness is required. Use '一般' when you want to hedge your criticism and remain polite. Finally, remember that for non-visual senses, you must switch to '不好吃' (taste) or '不好听' (sound). By diversifying your vocabulary, you move from a basic learner to a more nuanced communicator who understands both the language and the social etiquette of criticism in Chinese culture.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '看' (kàn) actually shows a person shading their eyes with a hand to see better in the distance, which is why the 'hand' radical is on top of the 'eye' radical.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /buː haʊ kæn/

US /bu haʊ kæn/

The primary stress is on the third syllable 'kàn', while 'bù' and 'hǎo' are pronounced clearly as part of the compound.

Rhymes With

饭 (fàn) 慢 (màn) 乱 (luàn) 站 (zhàn) 半 (bàn) 蛋 (dàn) 看 (kàn) 干 (gàn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bù' with a high flat tone instead of a falling tone.
Forgetting the tone sandhi: 'bù' changes to second tone 'bú' only before another fourth tone, but here it stays fourth tone.
Treating 'hǎo' and 'kàn' as two separate words rather than a single adjective unit.
Over-emphasizing the 'n' in 'kàn'.
Pronouncing 'hǎo' like 'ho' instead of 'how'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The characters are very basic and learned in the first few weeks of Chinese.

Writing 2/5

The character '看' has a few more strokes, but '不' and '好' are very simple.

Speaking 1/5

Easy to pronounce with standard tones.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sounds that are easy to recognize in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

不 (bù) 好 (hǎo) 看 (kàn) 好看 (hǎokàn) 很 (hěn)

Learn Next

难看 (nánkàn) 漂亮 (piàoliang) 丑 (chǒu) 一般 (yībān) 美 (měi)

Advanced

审美 (shěnměi) 庸俗 (yōngsú) 精致 (jīngzhì) 粗糙 (cūcāo) 面子 (miànzi)

Grammar to Know

Adjectives as Predicates

这件衣服不好看。 (No 'shì' needed.)

Degree Complements with 'de'

他字写得不好看。

Negation with 'bù'

不 + 好看 = 不好看。

The particle 'de' in noun phrases

不好看的电影。

Comparison using 'meiyou'

这件没有那件好看。

Examples by Level

这件衣服不好看。

This piece of clothing is not good-looking.

Subject + Adjective. No 'shì' (is) needed.

那个电影不好看。

That movie is not good (to watch).

'Hǎokàn' is used for movies to mean 'interesting' or 'good'.

我不喜欢这个颜色，不好看。

I don't like this color; it's not good-looking.

Using 'bù hǎokàn' as a reason for a preference.

你的书包不好看。

Your backpack is not good-looking.

Possessive 'nǐ de' + noun + adjective.

这个字写得不好看。

This character is written not good-looking (messy).

Using the degree complement 'de' to describe writing.

那双鞋不好看，太大了。

Those shoes are not good-looking; they are too big.

Combining two adjectives to describe an object.

这支笔不好看。

This pen is not good-looking.

Demonstrative 'zhè' + measure word 'zhī' + noun.

他的照片不好看。

His photo is not good-looking.

Possessive 'tā de' + noun + adjective.

我觉得这个新发型不好看。

I think this new hairstyle is not good-looking.

'Wǒ juéde' (I feel/think) introduces an opinion.

这家商店的衣服都很不好看。

The clothes in this store are all very unattractive.

Using 'dōu' (all) and 'hěn' (very) to intensify.

这张画儿画得真不好看。

This painting is really not well-painted.

Using 'zhēn' (really) for emphasis.

你穿这件衬衫有点儿不好看。

You look a bit unattractive in this shirt.

'Yǒudiǎnr' (a bit) softens the criticism.

那个地方不好看，我们不去吧。

That place is not beautiful; let's not go.

Using 'bù hǎokàn' to influence a decision.

虽然便宜，但是这件大衣不好看。

Although it's cheap, this coat is not good-looking.

Using 'suīrán... dànshì...' (although... but...).

他的作业写得不好看。

His homework is written messily.

Degree complement 'de' describing the result of writing.

这个手机的颜色太不好看了。

The color of this phone is just too unattractive.

'Tài... le' (too...) for strong negative emotion.

如果你在开会时睡觉，那就太不好看了。

If you sleep during the meeting, it will look very bad (embarrassing).

Using 'bù hǎokàn' for social face/embarrassment.

这个网页的设计有点过时，很不好看。

The design of this webpage is a bit outdated and very unappealing.

Applying 'bù hǎokàn' to digital design.

他这样做，让大家的面子都很难看/不好看。

His doing this made everyone lose face/look bad.

Using 'miànzi' (face) with 'bù hǎokàn'.

这部小说的结局写得不好看。

The ending of this novel was not well-written (disappointing).

Critiquing the quality of a literary experience.

这不仅仅是丑，简直是太不好看了。

This isn't just ugly; it's simply too unattractive.

Using 'jiǎnzhí' (simply/literally) for emphasis.

你不应该在公共场合吵架，这样不好看。

You shouldn't argue in public; it doesn't look good (socially).

Moral/social judgment using 'bù hǎokàn'.

这款软件的界面太乱了，非常不好看。

The interface of this software is too cluttered and very unattractive.

Describing complexity as a visual flaw.

虽然他很有才华，但他的画确实不好看。

Although he is talented, his paintings are indeed not good-looking.

Using 'quèshí' (indeed) to confirm a negative opinion.

这种粗鲁的行为在社交场合是非常不好看的。

This kind of rude behavior is very unseemly in social situations.

Adjectival use for 'unseemly' or 'improper'.

电影的特效做得太假，整体效果很不好看。

The special effects in the movie were too fake; the overall effect was very poor.

Critiquing technical execution.

他的文章逻辑混乱，读起来很不好看。

His article has messy logic; it's not a good read.

Using 'bù hǎokàn' for reading experience.

如果公司破产了，大家的脸上都不好看。

If the company goes bankrupt, it will be embarrassing for everyone.

Idiomatic use for collective loss of reputation.

这种颜色搭配在专业设计中是被认为不好看的。

This color combination is considered unappealing in professional design.

Passive construction 'bèi rènwéi' (is considered).

为了不让事情变得不好看，他选择了保持沉默。

To prevent the situation from becoming ugly, he chose to remain silent.

Using 'bù hǎokàn' to describe a deteriorating situation.

由于缺乏维护，这座古建筑现在变得很不好看。

Due to a lack of maintenance, this ancient building has become very unsightly.

Describing the result of neglect.

虽然剧本不错，但演员的表演让这部剧变得不好看了。

Although the script was good, the actors' performances made the show not worth watching.

Causal relationship between performance and quality.

他这种过河拆桥的做法，确实让场面变得非常不好看。

His action of 'burning bridges' indeed made the situation extremely unseemly.

Using an idiom (过河拆桥) with 'bù hǎokàn'.

该建筑的设计过于追求奇特，反而显得不好看。

The design of this building strives too much for uniqueness, and consequently looks unattractive.

Using 'fǎn'ér' (instead/on the contrary).

在学术论文中，图表排版不规范会显得非常不好看。

In academic papers, non-standard chart layouts will look very unprofessional/unattractive.

Professional/Academic context.

他不顾大局的言论，让领导的脸上很不好看。

His remarks, which ignored the big picture, made the leader look very bad.

Complex social hierarchy context.

这件艺术品试图挑战传统的审美，但在大众眼中却是不好看的。

This artwork tries to challenge traditional aesthetics, but in the eyes of the public, it is unattractive.

Discussing aesthetic philosophy.

文字的堆砌如果没有灵魂，读起来终究是不好看的。

If a pile of words has no soul, it will ultimately not be a good read.

Metaphorical use for writing quality.

由于处理不当，原本可以双赢的局面最后闹得很难看/不好看。

Due to improper handling, a situation that could have been win-win ended up being very ugly.

Describing the failure of a negotiation.

他的书法虽然有力，但结体不稳，总觉得不好看。

Although his calligraphy is powerful, the structure is unstable, making it feel unattractive.

Technical critique of traditional art.

这种赤裸裸的利益交换，在道义上是极度不好看的。

This naked exchange of interests is morally extremely unseemly.

Moral and ethical application.

作品中流露出的那种刻意的矫情，反而让整部电影变得不好看了。

The deliberate sentimentality revealed in the work actually made the whole movie unappealing.

Critiquing the 'soul' or 'tone' of a work.

若在此时选择退缩，不仅失了锐气，面子上也实在不好看。

If one chooses to retreat at this moment, it not only loses momentum but is also truly embarrassing for one's reputation.

Literary/Formal social negotiation.

该城市的规划缺乏人文关怀，到处是冷冰冰的、不好看的混凝土建筑。

The city's planning lacks human touch, filled everywhere with cold, unattractive concrete buildings.

Urban planning and sociological critique.

在外交辞令中，直接拒绝往往会让双方都显得不好看。

In diplomatic language, a direct refusal often makes both sides look bad.

Diplomatic and high-level social context.

这种对美感的消解，在某种程度上也是一种‘不好看’的艺术实践。

This deconstruction of beauty is, to some extent, an artistic practice of the 'un-beautiful'.

Philosophical discussion of aesthetics.

由于双方互不相让，这场官司打得非常不好看。

Because neither side would yield, this lawsuit was fought in a very ugly manner.

Describing the process of a conflict.

文字的拙劣不仅体现在辞藻上，更在于那种不好看的思想内核。

The clumsiness of the writing is reflected not just in the rhetoric, but in its unappealing core ideas.

Intellectual critique.

Common Collocations

真不好看

有点儿不好看

电影不好看

脸色不好看

衣服不好看

字写得不好看

面子上不好看

非常不好看

太不好看了

长得不好看

Common Phrases

不好看就别看了

— If it's not good (the movie/book), then stop watching/reading it.

不好看就别看了，我们换一个。

穿起来不好看

— It doesn't look good when worn (specifically for clothes).

这件衣服穿起来不好看。

拍得不好看

— The photo was taken poorly or the subject looks bad in the photo.

这张照片拍得不好看。

闹得不好看

— A conflict or situation ended in an ugly or embarrassing way.

最后两家人闹得不好看。

长相不好看

— One's facial features are not attractive.

虽然长相不好看，但他很有才华。

颜色不好看

— The color is unappealing.

我觉得这个颜色不好看。

设计不好看

— The design is not good-looking.

这个标志设计不好看。

动作不好看

— The movements (in dance or sports) are not graceful.

他的跳舞动作不好看。

排版不好看

— The layout (of a document or page) is unappealing.

这篇文章的排版不好看。

吃相不好看

— Table manners are poor or unsightly.

他吃相不好看，总是一边吃一边说。

Often Confused With

不好看 vs 难看 (nánkàn)

Often interchangeable, but '难看' is stronger and can mean 'shameful' or 'sickly' (脸色难看).

不好看 vs 丑 (chǒu)

Means 'ugly.' Much harsher and more insulting than '不好看'.

不好看 vs 不好 (bù hǎo)

Means 'not good' in general. '不好看' is specifically for visual or experiential quality.

Idioms & Expressions

"面子上不好看"

— To lose face or be in an embarrassing situation socially.

你当众批评他，让他面子上不好看。

Informal/Social

"吃相难看/不好看"

— Literally poor table manners; figuratively, being greedy or unscrupulous in business.

他们为了利益，吃相太不好看了。

Informal/Metaphorical

"话不好看"

— Words that are harsh, unpleasant to hear, or offensive.

虽然话不好看，但都是实话。

Colloquial

"事儿不好看"

— The matter/situation is messy or embarrassing.

这事儿办得不好看。

Colloquial

"相貌不扬"

— A more formal idiom for 'not good-looking' (ugly but talented).

他虽然相貌不扬，但很有能力。

Formal

"惨不忍睹"

— Too horrible to look at; extremely ugly or disastrous.

现场的情况惨不忍睹。

Literary

"貌不惊人"

— Ordinary looking; not striking or beautiful.

她貌不惊人，却有着动人的歌声。

Formal

"俗不可耐"

— So vulgar it is unbearable (a type of 'bad-looking' taste).

这里的装修俗不可耐。

Literary

"不堪入目"

— Unfit for the eyes; indecent or extremely ugly.

这些垃圾简直不堪入目。

Formal

"平平无奇"

— Plain and unremarkable; not good-looking but not ugly.

他的长相平平无奇。

Neutral

Easily Confused

不好看 vs 不好吃 (bù hǎochī)

Both start with '不好'.

Used for taste, while '不好看' is for sight.

这个苹果不好吃。

不好看 vs 不好听 (bù hǎotīng)

Both start with '不好'.

Used for sound/music, while '不好看' is for sight.

这首歌不好听。

不好看 vs 难过 (nánguò)

Contains '难' like '难看'.

Means 'sad' or 'unhappy,' not related to appearance.

我觉得很难过。

不好看 vs 一般 (yībān)

Both express a lack of high quality.

'一般' means 'average' and is more polite than '不好看'.

他的长相一般。

不好看 vs 土 (tǔ)

Both describe things that are not stylish.

'土' specifically means 'unfashionable' or 'outdated.'

这件衣服太土了。

Sentence Patterns

Subject + 不好看。

这件衣服不好看。

Subject + 很 + 不好看。

这个电影很不好看。

Subject + 有点儿 + 不好看。

这个颜色有点儿不好看。

不好看 + 的 + Noun。

我不喜欢不好看的花。

这样做 + 不好看。

你在开会的时候大声说话，这样做不好看。

让 + Someone + 脸上 + 不好看。

他的话让领导脸上不好看。

虽然...但是...不好看。

虽然很贵，但是我觉得不好看。

显得 + 不好看。

这种排版显得非常不好看。

Word Family

Nouns

看客 (kànkè) - spectator

看点 (kàndiǎn) - highlight

Verbs

看 (kàn) - to look/see

看起来 (kàn qǐlái) - to look like

Adjectives

好看 (hǎokàn) - good-looking

难看 (nánkàn) - ugly/hard to look at

美丽 (měilì)

漂亮 (piàoliang)

丑陋 (chǒulòu)

审美 (shěnměi)

视觉 (shìjué)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily spoken Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Using '不好看' for bad food. → 不好吃 (bù hǎochī)
'不好看' is only for visual things. Food quality is measured by taste.
Saying '是不好看'. → （很）不好看
In Chinese, you don't use the verb 'to be' (shì) with adjectives in this way.
Using '丑' for a friend's new dress. → 不好看 (bù hǎokàn)
'丑' is too strong and can be offensive. '不好看' is a safer, more polite choice.
Using '不好看' for a bad song. → 不好听 (bù hǎotīng)
Songs are heard, not seen. Use the hearing-related adjective.
Forgetting 'de' in '不好看电影'. → 不好看的电影
When an adjective describes a noun directly, you usually need the particle 'de'.

Tips

Skip the 'shì'

Never say '他是不好看.' Just say '他不好看' or '他很不好看.' Adjectives in Chinese don't need the verb 'to be' when they are the main part of the sentence.

Soften your blow

If you must criticize something, add '有点儿' (yǒudiǎnr) before '不好看.' It makes you sound less aggressive and more like a native speaker.

Movies vs. People

Remember that for movies, '不好看' means boring. For people, it means unattractive. The context completely changes the English translation.

Face matters

If someone says a situation is '不好看,' they aren't talking about aesthetics. They are telling you that things are getting socially messy or embarrassing.

The 'bù' family

Learn '不好看' along with '不好吃' (taste) and '不好听' (sound). This trio covers almost all negative sensory experiences.

Character components

Notice that '看' (look) has a hand (手) over an eye (目). It's like someone shading their eyes to see better. If they don't like what they see, it's '不好看'.

Tone check

Make sure 'bù' and 'kàn' are both sharp falling tones. If you get the tones wrong, it might be hard to understand.

Listen for 'de'

If you hear '写得不好看' (xiě de bù hǎokàn), they are talking about the *action* of writing being messy, not the content of the book.

Polite rejection

When shopping, saying '这个不好看' is a perfectly acceptable and common way to tell a shopkeeper you don't want to buy an item.

Greedy eaters

The phrase '吃相不好看' can mean someone literally eats messily, or figuratively that someone is being greedy in business.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Bù' as 'Boo!' (scary/bad), 'Hǎo' as 'How' (good?), and 'Kàn' as 'Can' (view). 'Boo, how can I look at this? It's not good-looking!'

Visual Association

Imagine someone holding their hand over their eyes (the character 看) but shaking their head 'no' (不) because what they see isn't good (好).

Word Web

不 (Negation) 好 (Good) 看 (Look) 好看 (Pretty) 难看 (Ugly) 电影 (Movie) 衣服 (Clothes) 面子 (Face)

Challenge

Go through your room and point at three things you think are '不好看' and say the sentence '这个[object]不好看' aloud.

Word Origin

The phrase is a modern Chinese compound. '不' (bù) is an ancient negation particle found in Oracle Bone Script. '好' (hǎo) depicts a woman with a child, signifying 'good.' '看' (kàn) depicts a hand over an eye, signifying 'looking' or 'watching.'

Original meaning: Literally 'not good to look at.'

Sino-Tibetan -> Sinitic -> Mandarin Chinese.

Cultural Context

Avoid using '不好看' directly to a stranger's face about their appearance; it is still a negative comment even if it's milder than 'ugly'.

English speakers might use 'ugly' or 'bad,' but '不好看' is more specifically 'not pleasing to the eye.'

Commonly heard in Chinese reality TV shows like 'I Am a Singer' when critiquing performances. Used in movie reviews on Douban (the Chinese IMDB). Frequently appears in modern C-dramas during shopping scenes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping for clothes

这件不好看。
那个颜色不好看。
穿起来不好看。
有没有好看一点的？

Discussing a movie

电影不好看。
剧情不好看。
那个演员演得不好看。
真是不好看。

Handwriting/Art

你的字不好看。
这幅画不好看。
写得不好看。
画得不好看。

Social etiquette

这样做不好看。
面子上不好看。
闹得不好看。
太不好看了。

Photography

这张拍得不好看。
我不喜欢这张，不好看。
光线不好看。
角度不好看。

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这部电影不好看吗？ (Do you think this movie is not good?)"

"这件衣服是不是有点不好看？ (Is this shirt a bit unattractive?)"

"为什么你觉得这个颜色不好看？ (Why do you think this color is not good-looking?)"

"如果我的字写得不好看，请告诉我。 (If my handwriting is not good-looking, please tell me.)"

"你觉得那个新建筑好看还是不好看？ (Do you think that new building is good-looking or not?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你觉得不好看的一部电影，并说明原因。 (Write about a movie you thought was not good and explain why.)

描述一件你买过但觉得不好看的衣服。 (Describe a piece of clothing you bought but think is unattractive.)

为什么有些艺术品在大众眼中是不好看的？ (Why are some artworks unattractive in the eyes of the public?)

讨论一次因为某人的行为让场面变得‘不好看’的经历。 (Discuss an experience where someone's behavior made a situation 'look bad'.)

你认为漂亮和‘不好看’的区别是什么？ (What do you think is the difference between beautiful and 'not good-looking'?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can, but be careful. It means they are not attractive. It is more polite than '丑' (ugly) but still a negative comment. It's best used with '有点儿' to soften it.

Only when talking about movies, books, or shows. In those contexts, it means the content was not engaging or 'good to watch.' For a person, it only refers to their looks.

In Chinese, adjectives like '不好看' function as verbs themselves when they are the predicate. You don't need the 'to be' verb. You just say 'Subject + 不好看'.

'不好看' is a simple negation of beauty. '难看' is stronger, meaning 'hard to look at.' '难看' is also used for very embarrassing social situations.

Only for the appearance of the food. If the food looks messy or unappealing, you say '不好看.' If it tastes bad, you must say '不好吃.'

You can say '非常不好看,' '很难看,' or '很丑.' '很丑' is the strongest and most negative.

Yes! This is a very common use. If someone's handwriting is messy, you say '字写得不好看.'

It is neutral. It can be used in daily conversation, movies, and even in professional settings to describe things like a report's layout.

No. For music or sounds, you must use '不好听' (bù hǎotīng).

It means a situation is socially embarrassing or causes someone to lose dignity/reputation. It's a key phrase for understanding Chinese 'face' culture.