it does not mean that, it is not the case that

Intermediate

20-25 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Partial negation - denies absolute interpretation.

[Plain form] + わけではない

嫌いなわけではないが、今は食べたくない。

Kirai na wake dewa nai ga, ima wa tabetakunai.

It's not that I dislike it, but I don't want to eat now.

反対しているわけではありません。

Hantai shite iru wake dewa arimasen.

It's not that I'm opposing it.

Does not completely negate, just the interpretation.

～わけだ

that is why, no wonder, it means that

～わけがない

there is no way that, it is impossible that

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Essential for nuanced negation.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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