Grammar Point:
This structure is a little confusing because the meaning of 不是 búshì is not just “is not”; it actually means “it is not true that.” This grammar structure is commonly used to express the negation of the previous statement.
Structure
不是 + Statement
電視說今天天氣很冷,可是我覺得不是很冷电视说今天天气很冷,可是我觉得不是很冷
The TV said today’s weather is very cold, but I don’t think it is true that it’s very cold.
這個菜應該用烤的,不是用蒸的这个菜应该用烤的,不是用蒸的
This dish should be baked, (it is not true that) it should be steamed.
我不是點熱的咖啡,是冰的咖啡我不是点热的咖啡,是冰的咖啡
I didn’t order hot coffee; it’s iced coffee.
他不是特別聰明,但是很努力他不是特别聪明,但是很努力
He isn’t particularly intelligent, but he works hard.
我不是不想吃,只是我太飽了我不是不想吃,只是我太饱了
It’s not that I don’t want to eat; I’m just too full.
我記得她不是住在河南,是住在湖南我记得她不是住在河南,是住在湖南
I remember she doesn’t live in Henan; she lives in Hunan.
我沒買那雙鞋子,不是因為我沒有錢我没买那双鞋子,不是因为我没有钱
didn’t buy those shoes, not because I don’t have money.
With 是 and Without 是
In practical terms, the difference is subtle, and in many cases, the two sentences can be used interchangeably without a significant change in meaning. The choice may depend on the speaker’s preference for a slightly more explicit emphasis or a straightforward statement.
A:你孩子成績這麼好,一定很聰明你孩子成绩这么好,一定很聪明
Your child’s grades are so good; he must be very intelligent.
B:他不是特別聰明,但是很努力他不是特别聪明,但是很努力
He isn’t particularly intelligent, but he works hard.
A:你孩子的成績怎麼樣?你孩子的成绩怎么样?
How is your child’s academic performance?
B:他不特別聰明,但是很努力他不特别聪明,但是很努力
He isn’t particularly intelligent, but he works hard.