How Does One Say "not (very Good)"

[fxm88]

It is common (in America at least) to use the phrase "not very good" as a more polite way of saying that something is bad. "Mai dee mak" would seem to mean "very not good" so that probably isn't the right phrasing. In Thai, what's the least emphatic way of saying that something is bad?

Thanks in advance!

[meadish_sweetball]

mai khoi dee (thaorai)

mai theung gab dee maak = not quite that good

Note 'khoi' with a falling tone, not 'khoei' ('ever'; past tense marker) with a mid tone - they have different vowel sounds, as well as tones.

You probably know criticism is a sensitive thing in this culture. Usually any of the above will be enough for people to catch what you mean. Then again, in some extreme cases one needs to be painfully blunt and a social bully to get the message through.

It is much better to start with being polite though.

[SpokenThai]

ไม่ดี - Mai Di - not good

ไม่ดีเลย - Mai Di Loei - not good at all

ไม่ค่อยดี - Mai Koi Di - not so good

ไม่ค่อยดีเท่าไร - Mai Koi Di Tao Rai - not so good

(taken from "EngThaiSearch" program)

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