vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Ni modo" is a phrase which is often translated as "there's no way", and "bueno" is an adjective which is often translated as "good". Learn more about the difference between "ni modo" and "bueno" below.
ni modo(
nee
 
moh
-
doh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
1.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(not at all)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. there's no way
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Ni modo que vamos a aceptar un trato así.There's no way we're going to accept a deal like that.
b. not a chance
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
¿Quieres salir con tus amiguitas este fin? Pues, ¡ni modo! Como reprobaste el examen de física, no saldrás.You want to go out with your little friends this weekend? Well not a chance! Since you failed your physics exam, you're staying in.
c. it was not to be
Yo quería visitar los museos y ver la ciudad, pero ni modo. Estuve toda la semana en cama con gripe.I meant to visit the museums and see the city, but it was not to be. I spent the whole week in bed with the flu.
2.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(used to express resignation)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. that's too bad
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Y si a alguno de ustedes no le parece bien lo que digo, ¡ni modo!And if any of you disagree with what I said, that's too bad!
b. oh well
¡El Cruz Azul volvió a perder! - Ni modo, chavo. Ganaremos el próximo año.Cruz Azul lost again! - Oh well, dude. We'll win next year.
c.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
En ese aspecto somos nomás tercermundistas, ni modo.In that we're just like a Third World country. That's the way it is.
Como ya nada se hace aquí y todo viene de China, ni modo.Nothing's made here anymore, it's all made in China, but what can you do?
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
bueno(
bweh
-
noh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. good
La dieta mediterránea es muy buena para la salud.The Mediterranean diet is very good for your health.
a. good
Esta herramienta es buena para montar cuadros.This tool is good for putting up a painting.
a. good
Quiero invertir en muebles buenos.I want to invest in a few good furniture pieces.
a. good
Un buen hombre dio su vida por la comunidad anoche.A good man gave his life in the service of this community last night.
a. good
La tarta de manzana estaba muy buena.The apple pie was very good.
6.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(attractive)
a. hot (colloquial)
Ese actor está bien bueno.That actor is really hot.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
interjection
a. ok
Creo que sería mejor ir al restaurante francés. - Bueno, vayamos.I think it'd be better to go to the French restaurant. - Ok, let's go.
a. so
Bueno, ¿vamos a pedir pizza o no?So, are we going to order pizza or not?
b. well
¿Quieres una taza de café? - Bueno, vale.Would you like a cup of coffee? - Well, ok.
9. (used when answering the phone)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. hello
¿Bueno? Sí, él habla.Hello? Yes, this is he.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.