so so
in SpanishMás o menos
/MAHS oh MEH-nohs/
This is the most common and natural way to say 'so-so'. While many textbooks teach 'así así', 'más o menos' (literally 'more or less') is what you'll hear most native speakers use in daily conversation.
Sometimes things aren't good or bad, they're just 'más o menos'. Using a hand gesture can help communicate that 'so-so' feeling.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Regular
/reh-goo-LAHR/
Meaning 'regular' or 'okay,' this is another extremely common and natural alternative to 'so-so'. It often implies things are just average, and can sometimes carry a slightly more neutral or even mildly negative tone than 'más o menos'.
Así así
/ah-SEE ah-SEE/
The direct, textbook translation of 'so-so'. While universally understood, it can sound a bit robotic or like you're reading from a phrasebook. Many native speakers find it unnatural, and it can sometimes be interpreted as more negative than intended.
Ahí vamos
/ah-EE VAH-mohs/
Literally 'there we go,' this phrase means 'we're getting by' or 'hanging in there.' It implies a process or a bit of a struggle, but you're managing. A very similar alternative is 'Ahí andamos' ('there we walk').
No me quejo
/noh meh KAY-hoh/
This means 'I can't complain.' It's a slightly more positive way to express a 'so-so' feeling. It suggests that while things aren't perfect, they are generally good enough.
Tirando
/tee-RAHN-doh/
Literally 'pulling' or 'chugging along,' this is a very common and colloquial way to say you're 'getting by' in Spain. It's the Spanish equivalent of 'Ahí vamos'.
Ni fu ni fa
/nee FOO nee FAH/
A fun, rhyming slang phrase that means 'neither good nor bad' or 'meh.' It expresses indifference or that something was completely unremarkable.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choosing the right way to say 'so-so' depends on nuance and context. Here’s a quick guide to the most common options.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Más o menos | Neutral | A safe, all-purpose answer for feelings, opinions, or quality. | Never. It's always a good option. |
| Regular | Neutral | Saying you're 'just okay,' or describing something as mediocre. | You want to sound positive. It can have a slightly downbeat feel. |
| Ahí vamos / Tirando | Casual | Expressing that you're 'getting by' or 'hanging in there'. | Formal situations or when you want to give a simple 'so-so' opinion on a movie. |
| Así así | Neutral | Beginners who haven't learned other options yet. It will be understood. | Trying to sound like a natural, fluent speaker. |
📈Difficulty Level
Most sounds are straightforward for English speakers. The rolled 'r' in 'regular' might take a little practice.
These are fixed phrases, so there's no complex grammar or conjugation to worry about. You just need to memorize them.
The biggest challenge is cultural. Knowing to avoid 'así así' and choosing the right alternative ('más o menos' vs 'regular' vs 'ahí vamos') is key to sounding natural.
Key Challenges:
- Avoiding the unnatural textbook phrase 'así así'.
- Understanding the subtle emotional difference between each variation.
💡Examples in Action
—¿Cómo estás, amigo? —Más o menos, un poco cansado hoy.
—How are you, friend? —So-so, a little tired today.
—¿Qué tal la comida en el nuevo restaurante? —Regular. No estuvo mal, pero tampoco fue increíble.
—How was the food at the new restaurant? —It was okay. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing either.
—¿Cómo va el trabajo? —Pues, ahí vamos, sobreviviendo a la semana.
—How's work going? —Well, we're getting by, surviving the week.
—¡Hola! ¿Qué tal todo por Madrid? —¡Hombre! Aquí, tirando, como siempre.
—Hey! How's everything in Madrid? —Man! Just chugging along, as always.
🌍Cultural Context
The 'Así Así' Myth
Almost every beginner Spanish course teaches 'así así'. While it's not 'wrong,' it's the phrase that will most quickly mark you as a non-native speaker. Opting for 'más o menos' or 'regular' will make you sound instantly more natural and fluent.
The Subtle Art of 'Regular'
Saying you are 'regular' is perfectly normal in Spanish, but it's not a positive response. It means 'just okay' and often opens the door for the other person to ask if something is wrong. Your tone of voice is key; you can say it cheerfully to mean 'nothing special' or with a sigh to mean 'I've been better'.
Embracing the 'Struggle'
Phrases like 'ahí vamos' (we're getting by) or 'tirando' (chugging along) are very common and reflect a cultural perspective of resilience. They aren't complaints, but rather a shared acknowledgment that life takes effort and you're putting in the work. They can create a nice moment of connection.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Overusing 'Así Así'
Mistake: "Using 'así así' as the default answer for 'so-so'."
Correction: Use 'más o menos' or 'regular' instead.
Confusing 'Regular' with 'Normal'
Mistake: "Thinking 'regular' means 'I'm feeling normal/good,' like its English counterpart."
Correction: Remember that in response to '¿Cómo estás?', 'regular' means 'so-so' or 'just okay'.
Missing the Follow-Up
Mistake: "Just saying 'más o menos' and stopping the conversation."
Correction: Add a small reason: 'Más o menos, porque estoy un poco enfermo.' (So-so, because I'm a little sick).
💡Pro Tips
Your Go-To Phrase: 'Más o Menos'
When you're in doubt, 'más o menos' is your safest, most versatile, and most natural-sounding option. It works for feelings, opinions, and descriptions across all regions and formality levels.
Use Body Language
No matter which phrase you use, accompany it with the universal 'so-so' hand gesture—holding your hand flat, palm-down, and wobbling it side to side. This adds emphasis and clarity, especially for 'así así'.
Listen for Regional Cues
Pay attention to how people around you respond to '¿Cómo estás?'. If you're in Spain and hear a lot of 'tirando', try using it yourself! Adapting to local expressions is a great way to connect with people.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
Spain is where you'll most commonly hear 'tirando' for 'getting by' and 'ni fu ni fa' for indifference. These phrases are very characteristic of informal Spanish from Spain.
Mexico
'Más o menos' is extremely common for everything. 'Regular' is also widely used, perhaps more so than in other regions, to describe feeling just okay. 'Ahí la llevo' is another way to say 'I'm getting by'.
Argentina
'Más o menos' is the dominant phrase. 'Todo tranquilo' (all calm/quiet) can be used to mean things are okay, nothing special happening. The intonation in Argentina is very melodic and distinct.
💬What Comes Next?
You say you're feeling 'so-so'
¿Por qué? ¿Qué pasa?
Why? What's wrong?
Nada grave, solo un poco cansado.
Nothing serious, just a little tired.
You say a movie was 'regular'
Ah, ¿no te gustó mucho?
Oh, you didn't like it much?
No, la historia era un poco lenta.
No, the story was a bit slow.
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, 'so-so' is a generic, one-size-fits-all term. Spanish offers a richer palette of expressions that specify the *type* of 'so-so' you're feeling: mediocre ('regular'), getting by ('ahí vamos'), or simply 'more or less' ('más o menos'). The choice of phrase in Spanish communicates more nuance than the single English option.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: In English, 'regular' means 'normal' or 'standard,' which usually has a neutral-to-positive connotation. In Spanish, when describing your state or a thing's quality, 'regular' specifically means 'mediocre,' 'average,' or 'just okay,' which is neutral-to-negative.
Use instead: To say something is 'normal' in Spanish, use the word 'normal'. Use 'regular' when you mean something is unimpressive or you're feeling just 'meh'.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say 'I'm tired' in Spanish
It's the most common reason to feel 'so-so', making it a natural follow-up.
How to say 'How are you?' in Spanish
'So-so' is a primary response to this question, so you need to know the question itself.
How to say 'Good' and 'Bad' in Spanish
These complete the basic spectrum of responses: good, bad, and in-between.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: so so
Question 1 of 3
You're chatting with a friend from Mexico who asks how you are. You're not bad, but you're not great either. What is the MOST natural and common response?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it actually wrong to say 'así así'?
It's not grammatically wrong, and people will understand you. However, it sounds very unnatural and is a clear sign of a non-native speaker. For more authentic conversations, it's highly recommended to use alternatives like 'más o menos' or 'regular'.
What is the real difference between 'más o menos' and 'regular'?
They are very similar, but 'más o menos' is a neutral 'more or less'. 'Regular' can lean slightly more negative, implying 'mediocre' or 'just okay'. If a movie was 'más o menos', it was average. If it was 'regular', it was probably a bit disappointing.
Can I use 'más o menos' to describe quantities?
Yes, absolutely! 'Más o menos' is very versatile. You can use it to answer '¿Cuántos años tienes?' ('Más o menos treinta') or '¿Está lejos?' ('Sí, más o menos a una hora'). It works for feelings, quality, and estimations.
When should I use 'ahí vamos' or 'tirando'?
Use these phrases when you want to say you're 'getting by' or 'hanging in there.' They are best for responding to '¿Cómo estás?' or '¿Cómo va todo?' and imply you're navigating life's challenges. 'Tirando' is specific to Spain, while 'Ahí vamos' is common in Latin America.
Is 'No me quejo' a positive or a 'so-so' phrase?
It's a bit of both, leaning towards positive. 'No me quejo' ('I can't complain') acknowledges that things aren't perfect, but you're content. It's a great way to show a positive, resilient attitude without exaggerating and saying you're 'perfecto'.
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