Grammar Point:
This Chinese structure is used to make a contrast, similar to saying “It’s not… but rather…” in English. The pattern is used when you want to correct or clarify something by presenting an alternative or more accurate statement.
Structure
不是 + situation A + 而是 + situation B
我不是不同意而是聽不太懂我不是不同意而是听不太懂
It’s not that I disagree; I just don’t quite get it.
不是小王不想去,而是他沒時間不是小王不想去,而是他没时间
It’s not that Xiao Wang doesn’t want to go; he just doesn’t have the time.
這件事錯的不是我而是他这件事错的不是我而是他
It’s not my fault, it’s his.
他不是不會做,而是不想做他不是不会做,而是不想做
It’s not that he can’t do it, but rather that he doesn’t want to.
我選這個不是因為便宜,而是因為質量我选这个不是因为便宜,而是因为质量
I chose this not because it’s cheap, but because it’s of quality.
這事不是你一個人說了算,而是要大家討論这事不是你一个人说了算,而是要大家讨论
This isn’t something you can decide on your own; it needs everyone’s input.
那不是用來喝茶的而是用來洗杯子的那不是用来喝茶的而是用来洗杯子的
That’s not for drinking tea; it’s for washing cups.
FYI
In Hong Kong, it’s pretty common to use hot tea to wash your utensils before eating, especially at places like dai pai dong (those open-air food stalls), traditional Cantonese restaurants, and dim sum spots. You’ll usually find a big bowl on the table, along with some hot tea. The idea is to pour the tea over your bowls, chopsticks, and other utensils to give them an extra rinse before you start your meal. Even though the utensils are already cleaned by the restaurant, this little ritual adds a sense of cleanliness and tradition that’s all part of the dining experience.
Practice
TouchHover over the space to see the answers.
✔️ It’s not that I don’t want to travel; it’s just that my wallet says no.
我不是不想去旅行,而是錢包不允許我不是不想去旅行,而是钱包不允许
✔️ It’s not that he forgot; he never intended to remember in the first place.
他不是忘了,而是根本沒打算記住他不是忘了,而是根本没打算记住
✔️ It’s not that the movie is bad; I’m just not in the mood.
這部電影不是不好看,而是我沒心情这部电影不是不好看,而是我没心情