How Do You Say "So So" in French: A Complete Guide to Expressing Mediocrity in French
If you have ever found yourself in a French conversation trying to describe something that is neither good nor bad, you know how tricky it can be to find the right words. Because of that, the English phrase "so so" is one of those deceptively simple expressions that seems easy to translate but actually carries a range of nuances depending on the context. In French, there are multiple ways to convey this sense of middle-of-the-road quality, and each one comes with its own tone, formality level, and cultural weight. Understanding these differences will not only improve your French vocabulary but also help you sound more natural and confident when speaking with native speakers And that's really what it comes down to..
This guide walks you through every common way to say "so so" in French, explains when and why to use each expression, and provides practical examples so you can start incorporating them into your own conversations right away.
The Most Iconic Translation: Comme Ci Comme Ça
The most well-known and widely used way to say "so so" in French is comme ci comme ça. This phrase literally translates to "like this, like that," which perfectly captures the indecisive, neutral energy of the English expression. It is the go-to choice for almost any informal situation where you want to express that something is mediocre or average Not complicated — just consistent..
You will hear comme ci comme ça used in everyday conversations across France, Quebec, and other French-speaking regions. It works for describing food, experiences, performances, products, and even moods.
Here are some practical examples:
- Comment était le restaurant ? — Comme ci comme ça. (How was the restaurant? — So so.)
- Le film était comme ci comme ça. (The film was so so.)
- Comment tu vas ? — Comme ci comme ça. (How are you? — So so.)
One thing to keep in mind is that comme ci comme ça is inherently informal. You would not typically use it in a formal business report or an academic paper, but in casual conversations, it sounds perfectly natural and idiomatic.
Ni Bien Ni Mal: Neither Good Nor Bad
Another excellent way to express "so so" in French is ni bien ni mal, which translates directly to "neither good nor bad." This phrase carries a slightly more reflective tone than comme ci comme ça and works well when you want to make clear the balanced, neutral nature of your opinion The details matter here..
Use ni bien ni mal when you are evaluating something and want to make it clear that you are deliberately avoiding a positive or negative judgment. It is especially common in discussions about experiences, such as travel, dining, or entertainment Small thing, real impact..
Examples:
- L'hôtel était ni bien ni mal, rien de spécial. (The hotel was so so, nothing special.)
- Le service était ni bien ni mal. (The service was so so.)
This expression is versatile enough to work in semi-formal contexts as well, making it a useful addition to your vocabulary if you want to sound thoughtful and measured in your assessments Worth knowing..
Moyen: The Casual Way to Say "So So"
If you want a shorter, punchier alternative, consider moyen. This word literally means "average" or "mediocre" and is commonly used in informal French to describe something that falls squarely in the "so so" category. It has a slightly dismissive edge, suggesting that whatever you are describing did not really impress you.
Moyen is especially popular among younger French speakers and is frequently heard in street culture, social media, and casual group conversations. It is direct and to the point, which makes it a great choice if you want to express mild disappointment without being overly critical Worth keeping that in mind..
Examples:
- Le concert était moyen. (The concert was so so.)
- Ce plat est moyen, pas terrible. (This dish is so so, not great.)
- Franchement, c'est moyen. (Honestly, it's so so.)
Because of its casual tone, you should reserve moyen for informal settings. Using it in a formal presentation or a professional email could come across as too blunt or even rude.
Pas Mal: A Surprisingly Positive Alternative
Here is an interesting twist: pas mal, which literally means "not bad," is often used by French speakers to express something close to "so so," but with a slightly more positive lean. While it does not carry the full neutrality of comme ci comme ça, it is a common way to describe something that is acceptable or decent without being enthusiastic.
The key to using pas mal correctly lies in your tone and context. If you say it with a shrug and a flat tone, it can easily communicate "so so." But if you say it with a smile or more energy, it might genuinely mean "pretty good.
Examples:
- C'est pas mal pour un premier essai. (It's so so for a first attempt.)
- Le résultat est pas mal. (The result is so so.)
Learning to read the subtle cues around pas mal will significantly improve your comprehension of spoken French.
Correct and Correct: The Understated Evaluation
Another word you can use to convey "so so" is correct. In French, correct means "okay" or "acceptable," and while it is not a direct translation of "so so," it often serves the same purpose in conversation. When someone describes something as correct, they are essentially saying it met expectations without exceeding them.
This word is slightly more neutral and can work in both informal and semi-formal situations. It is a safe and polite choice when you want to avoid strong opinions.
Examples:
- Le logement était correct. (The accommodation was so so.)
- C'est correct, rien de plus. (It's so so, nothing more.)
Ça Va: Responding to "How Are You?"
When someone asks you *Comment ça va ?And * (How are you? Now, ) and you want to reply with "so so," the most natural response is ça va. On its own, ça va means "it goes" or "it's fine," and it is the standard French way to acknowledge that things are acceptable but not outstanding It's one of those things that adds up..
Pairing ça va with a neutral or slightly resigned tone of voice will clearly communicate the "so so" meaning. You can also add comme ci comme ça after it for extra emphasis Less friction, more output..
Examples:
- Comment ça va ? — Ça va. (How are you? — So so.)
- Ça va, hein, rien de spécial. (It's so so, you know, nothing special.)
Pronunciation Tips for Natural-Sounding French
Even if you know the right words, poor pronunciation can undermine your message. Here are a few tips to help you pronounce these expressions more naturally:
- Comme ci comme ça: The ci
and comme ça should have a rising intonation, while comme ci has a slight fall. The liaison in comme ci is important—it's not "comme si" but "comme ci" with a soft 'c' sound.
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Pas mal: The 'p' in pas is pronounced clearly, and the 'm' in mal should be articulated. Avoid over-emphasizing the 'a' in mal; keep it crisp.
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Correct: This word is pronounced similarly to its English counterpart, but with a softer 'r' and a more closed 'e' sound, closer to "corect" than "correct."
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Ça va: The 'ç' is a soft 's' sound, and the 'va' should be pronounced like 'va' in 'avocado,' not like the English 'va.' The liaison in ça va is rare, so it's typically pronounced as two separate words.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of saying "so so" in French is more than just memorizing words; it's about understanding the subtle nuances of tone, context, and cultural expectation. Whether you choose the balanced comme ci comme ça, the slightly positive pas mal, the neutral correct, or the ubiquitous ça va, your choice will paint a clearer picture of your true feelings. Plus, by paying attention to these expressions and their pronunciation, you'll move beyond textbook French and communicate with the natural flair and precision that defines the language. Remember, in conversation, sometimes the most nuanced expressions are the most telling.
