Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Not" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "not", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
必ずしも
かならずしも (kanarazushimo)
N4 / 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 必ずしも and 〜だけでなく.
In Japanese, 必ずしも (かならずしも (kanarazushimo)) is typically associated with "not necessarily; not always (used with a negative predicate)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Always followed by a negative expression.
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 "必ずしも"
お金持ちが必ずしも幸せとは限りません。
Wealthy people are not necessarily happy.
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: "お金持ちが ＿＿＿ 幸せとは限りません。" (Meaning: "Wealthy people are not necessarily happy.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "必ずしも" fits here because it means "not necessarily; not always (used with a negative predicate)" in the context of: "Wealthy people are not necessarily happy.". "〜だけでなく" represents "not only... but also...".