French Phrase
Pas mal, en fait.
Meaning
Literally “not bad, actually”, this expression is a modest way to say that something is better than expected or simply decent. It carries a tone of mild surprise or a soft endorsement, often used when the speaker wants to sound humble rather than overly enthusiastic.
When to use
Use it after someone asks for your opinion about a movie, a dish, a performance, etc., especially when you think it’s decent but not spectacular. It works well in informal conversation and can also be used to correct a previous negative impression.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Pasmalenfait
Pas + adjective/adverb
In French, the negative particle *pas* can be placed before an adjective or adverb to negate it. With *mal* (badly), the set phrase *pas mal* has become idiomatic and means “not bad”.
En fait
Literally “in fact”, *en fait* is used to add a nuance, correct a previous assumption, or soften a statement. It often translates to “actually” or “in truth”.
Comma as a pause
The comma after *mal* signals a brief pause, giving the speaker a moment to add the nuance *en fait*. In spoken French the pause is audible.
🗨In Conversation
Comment était le nouveau restaurant du coin?
How was the new restaurant down the street?
Pas mal, en fait.
Not bad, actually.
✕Common Mistakes
Le film était pas mal = The film was bad.
Do not translate *pas mal* as “bad”; the phrase is idiomatic and means “not bad”.
Je suis en fait fatigué.
Avoid using *en fait* when you simply want to say “actually” without a preceding contrast; it should follow a statement that is being qualified or corrected.
C'était très pas mal.
Do not add *très* before *pas mal* (e.g., *très pas mal*) – the phrase loses its idiomatic meaning.
↔Alternatives
C'est pas mal, en fait.
It’s not bad, actually.
Pas si mal, finalement.
Not so bad, after all.
C'est assez bien, en fait.
It’s quite good, actually.
Cultural Tip
French speakers often prefer modesty in praise; saying *pas mal* sounds more natural than a super‑positive *c'est génial*. Adding *en fait* softens the statement further and can signal that the speaker’s first impression was different. In some regions, especially in Québec, you might hear *pas pire* used similarly, but *pas mal* remains the standard across France.