Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Not" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "not", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
そんなに
そんなに (sonnani)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
〜だけでなく
〜だけでなく (〜dake de naku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "not" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between そんなに and 〜だけでなく.
In Japanese, そんなに (そんなに (sonnani)) is typically associated with "(not) so much; (not) that much" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used with negative expressions.
On the other hand, 〜だけでなく (〜だけでなく (〜dake de naku)) maps to "not only... but also..." (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Indicates that something applies not just to one thing, but to another as well, often emphasizing the second part. Connects two pieces of information.. A literal translation of "not" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "そんなに"
この映画は、そんなに面白くありませんでした。
This movie wasn't that interesting.
Bilingual Context for "〜だけでなく"
彼は日本語だけでなく、英語も話せる。
He can speak not only Japanese but also English.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この映画は、 ＿＿＿ 面白くありませんでした。" (Meaning: "This movie wasn't that interesting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "そんなに" fits here because it means "(not) so much; (not) that much" in the context of: "This movie wasn't that interesting.". "〜だけでなく" represents "not only... but also...".