Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Not" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "not", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
〜だけでなく
〜だけでなく (〜dake de naku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
いっさい
いっさい (issai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "not" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 〜だけでなく and いっさい.
In Japanese, 〜だけでなく (〜だけでなく (〜dake de naku)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, いっさい (いっさい (issai)) maps to "(not) at all, absolutely (not), entirely (without)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used with negative verbs to emphasize a complete lack or absence of something. Stronger than 全然. A literal translation of "not" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "いっさい"
私はその件について、いっさい知りません。
I know absolutely nothing about that matter.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は日本語だけでなく、英語も話せる。" (Meaning: "He can speak not only Japanese but also English.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "〜だけでなく" fits here because it means "not only... but also..." in the context of: "He can speak not only Japanese but also English.". "いっさい" represents "(not) at all, absolutely (not), entirely (without)".