French Phrase
Pour l'instant, plutôt pas mal.
Meaning
The speaker is saying that, up to now, things are going fairly well – better than just “okay” but not spectacular. It conveys a modest, slightly upbeat assessment of the current situation.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal conversations when someone asks how a project, a trip, or a personal situation is progressing. It works well when you want to sound positive without sounding overly enthusiastic.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Pourl'instant,plutôtpasmal.
Pour l'instant
A fixed expression meaning “for now” or “at the moment”. It introduces a temporary state.
plutôt
An adverb meaning “rather” or “somewhat”. It softens or qualifies the following evaluation.
pas mal
A colloquial idiom meaning “not bad”. It is often used to give a modestly positive assessment.
🗨In Conversation
Comment se passe ton nouveau travail ?
How’s your new job going?
Pour l'instant, plutôt pas mal.
So far, it’s rather not bad.
✕Common Mistakes
Pour l'instant, pas mal plutôt.
Do not place “plutôt” after “pas mal”; it must come before to modify the idiom.
Pour l’ instant, plutôt pas mal.
Never write “l’ instant” with a space; the apostrophe contracts the article and the noun.
Pour l'instant, plutôt pas mal (formal report).
Avoid translating literally as “not bad” in formal writing; use “assez bien” or “satisfaisant” instead.
↔Alternatives
Pour le moment, ça se passe bien.
At the moment, it’s going well.
Jusqu'à présent, c'est assez correct.
Up to now, it’s quite okay.
Pour l'instant, ça va plutôt bien.
For now, it’s going rather well.
Cultural Tip
French speakers often use modest expressions like “pas mal” to avoid sounding boastful. In a professional or casual setting, saying “plutôt pas mal” signals confidence while still keeping a humble tone. The phrase is common across France and French‑speaking Canada, though Canadians may prefer “pas pire” in the same context.