心情不好 (xīn qíng bù hǎo)

phrase / adjective phrase HSK 3

xīn qíng bù hǎo

in a bad mood · feeling down · not feeling good

Meaning

This common phrase literally means 'heart feeling not good' and describes being in a bad mood or feeling emotionally unwell. It's a straightforward way to express that you're unhappy, upset, or just not feeling positive emotionally.

Usage

Very commonly used in everyday conversation to describe temporary negative emotional states. It's neutral in register and appropriate for both casual and polite contexts. Often used to explain why someone is quiet, withdrawn, or needs space.

Examples

01
我今天心情不好，不想说话。
Wǒ jīn tiān xīn qíng bù hǎo, bù xiǎng shuō huà.
I'm in a bad mood today and don't want to talk.
02
他最近心情不好，因为工作压力太大了。
Tā zuì jìn xīn qíng bù hǎo, yīn wèi gōng zuò yā lì tài dà le.
He's been in a bad mood lately because work pressure is too great.

Characters

Common collocations

心情不好的时候
xīn qíng bù hǎo de shí hòu
when in a bad mood
最近心情不好
zuì jìn xīn qíng bù hǎo
recently in a bad mood
因为...心情不好
yīn wèi ... xīn qíng bù hǎo
in a bad mood because of...

Antonyms

Origin

Combines 心情 (mood, frame of mind) with the negative construction 不好 (not good). The word 心情 itself pairs 心 (heart) with 情 (emotion), reflecting the traditional Chinese concept that emotions originate from the heart.