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"Nice" is an adjective which is often translated as "simpático", and "not bad" is a phrase which is often translated as "no está mal". Learn more about the difference between "nice" and "not bad" below.
nice(
nays
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (friendly)
2. (kind)
a. amable
He's always been really nice to older people.Siempre ha sido muy amable con la gente mayor.
3. (pleasant)
a. agradable
We had a really nice time at our new neighbor's house.Tuvimos un tiempo realmente agradable en casa de los nuevos vecinos.
4. (attractive)
a. lindo (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
They have a really nice house in the mountains.Ellos tienen una casa muy linda en las montañas.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
My bed feels so nice and warm on these cold mornings.Mi cama está tan calientita en estas mañanas frías.
Why don't you take a nice, hot bath while I clean up?¿Por qué no vas a tomarte un buen baño mientras limpio?
not bad(
nat
bahd
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. no está mal
These tacos are not bad, but I'd like them to be a bit spicier.Estos tacos no están mal, pero me gustaría que picaran un poco más.
b. nada mal
You made this cake by yourself? Not bad, little sister.¿Hiciste este pastel tú misma? Nada mal, hermanita.
