Meaning
不好 is one of the most basic negative expressions in Mandarin, formed by adding the negation particle 不 (not) before 好 (good). It describes something unfavorable, unsatisfactory, or of poor quality. When referring to health or feelings, it means feeling unwell or uncomfortable.
Usage
This is an extremely common everyday expression used in both spoken and written Chinese. It's neutral in register and appropriate in all contexts. Native speakers use it to describe everything from bad weather to uncomfortable situations to poor quality. When combined with other words, it creates warnings like 不好意思 (embarrassed/sorry).
Examples
- 01今天天气不好，一直在下雨。, .The weather is bad today; it's been raining the whole time.
- 02我最近身体不好，需要多休息。, .I haven't been feeling well lately; I need to rest more.
Characters
Common collocations
- 不好意思embarrassed; sorry; excuse me
- 不好说hard to say; difficult to tell
- 不好办difficult to handle
- 身体不好in poor health
Antonyms
Origin
Direct negation construction: 不 (negation particle) + 好 (good). This is a fundamental pattern in Mandarin where 不 precedes adjectives to create their opposites.