还行
hái xíng
It's alright · trad. 還行
还行 (hái xíng) is a common expression used to convey lukewarm approval or that something is passable. It means "it's alright" or "can't complain."
What does 还行 (hái xíng) mean?
还行 (hái xíng) means “it's alright” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “still okay.”
When to use it
Neutral and casual. It implies something is acceptable but not outstanding. When asked "How are you?", it can mean "I'm okay" or "not bad." For stronger approval, use 很好 (hěn hǎo, "very good").
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "HIGH SHING." Both syllables have a rising tone, but the second one is often pronounced a bit lighter in natural conversation.
Other ways to say it
- 还不错hái bùcuònot bad (slightly more positive)
- 还可以hái kěyǐit's okay (very similar, often interchangeable)
- 马马虎虎mǎmǎhūhūso-so (more explicitly mediocre)
Examples
你最近怎么样？我还行。
nǐ zuìjìn zěnmeyàng? wǒ hái xíng.
How have you been recently? I'm alright.
这件衣服还行，我买了。
zhè jiàn yīfu hái xíng, wǒ mǎi le.
This piece of clothing is alright, I'll buy it.
味道还行，不算特别好吃。
wèidào hái xíng, bù suàn tèbié hǎochī.
The taste is passable, not especially delicious.
Pro tip: 还行 often implies a lack of strong enthusiasm. It's a polite way to say something is acceptable without being overly positive or negative.
Related phrases
下雨了 · It's raining带伞了吗？ · Did you bring an umbrella听我说 · Listen to me
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