Grammar Point:
The phrase 不太 bútài in Chinese grammar is a combination of the negation word 不 bù (not) and the degree adverb 太 tài (too/very). Together, they create a structure that expresses a mild negation or conveys the idea of “not very” when describing a certain degree or extent of something.
Structure
不太 + Adjective
When used with adjectives, 不太 bútài expresses a degree lower than expected or desired but not completely absent.
今天的天氣不太冷今天的天气不太冷
Today’s weather is not very cold.
這個菜不太好吃这个菜不太好吃
This dish is not very delicious.
我還不太餓,你慢慢來沒關係我还不太饿,你慢慢来没关系
I’m not very hungry yet, so take your time.
說中文不太難,但是寫中文太難了说中文不太难,但是写中文太难了
Speaking Chinese isn’t too hard, but writing it is really difficult.
公司最近不太忙,要一起去打球嗎?公司最近不太忙,要一起去打球吗?
The company’s not too busy lately. Want to go play golf?
不太 + Verb
When used with verbs, 不太 bútài indicates a lack of frequency or intensity in performing the action.
他最近不太工作他最近不太工作
He doesn’t work very much recently.
我不太懂這個問題我不太懂这个问题
I don’t quite understand this problem.
我不太看電視我不太看电视
I don’t really watch TV.
她不太想去中國工作她不太想去中国工作
She doesn’t really want to work in China.
你這個月都不太回我訊息,你在忙什麼?你这个月都不太回我讯息,你在忙什么?
You haven’t been replying to my messages much this month. What have you been busy with?
Usage in Spoken Language
“不太” is widely used in conversational Chinese because it sounds softer and less direct than an outright negation. It often reflects a polite tone or uncertainty, aligning with the tendency in Chinese culture to avoid being overly direct or harsh.
我覺得他不太好我觉得他不太好
I think he’s not very good.
(A tactful way to say someone isn’t great, rather than bluntly saying 他不好 (tā bùhǎo), which sounds harsh.)
他不太喜歡吃辣他不太喜欢吃辣
He doesn’t really like spicy food.
(He might tolerate it, but it’s really not his favorite.)