ではなくて・じゃなくて
Meanings
- Not A but B
- Conjunction showing correction or contrast between two facts/choices
- Instead of A, B
About this pattern
Explanation
This grammar is used to correct or change what was said before, by presenting another option or opposite fact. It makes the second part feel less abrupt than a plain negation and is common in spoken Japanese. ではなくて is the standard, polite form; じゃなくて is the casual counterpart. It can connect nouns, adjectives, and verbs, and is often used to clarify or contrast two possibilities, preferences, or states.
Learn in context
Example sentences
It's not rain today; it's very windy.
He isn’t a student; he’s a working adult.
This shop isn’t cheap; the quality is high.
She didn’t start with running; she started by walking.
I don’t focus on studying Japanese; I focus on conversation.
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More N3 patterns
It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X
View detailsIt would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...
View detailsduring; while; throughout; in the process of
View detailswhile; during; between; in the period of
View detailsDuring the period of / while; Before something changes or happens; Within the time when ... happens
View detailsbefore it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...
View details