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Quadruple VS

Synonym Boundary: "必ずしも", "間に合わない", "そんなに", "〜だけでなく"

All represent the core concept "not", but require precise selection.

Japanese Option A

必ずしも

かならずしも (kanarazushimo)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B

間に合わない

まにあわない (maniawanai)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C

そんなに

そんなに (sonnani)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D

〜だけでなく

〜だけでなく (〜dake de naku)
N3 / CEFR

Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences

When expressing "not" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "必ずしも", "間に合わない", "そんなに", "〜だけでなく" based on context.
  • 必ずしも (かならずしも (kanarazushimo) - Level: N4): Maps to "not necessarily; not always (used with a negative predicate)" and is used when Always followed by a negative expression.
  • 間に合わない (まにあわない (maniawanai) - Level: N4): Maps to "to not be in time, to miss (an appointment/train etc.)" and is used when The negative form of 間に合う.
  • そんなに (そんなに (sonnani) - Level: N3): Maps to "(not) so much; (not) that much" and is used when Often used with negative expressions.
  • 〜だけでなく (〜だけでなく (〜dake de naku) - Level: N3): Maps to "not only... but also..." and is used when Indicates that something applies not just to one thing, but to another as well, often emphasizing the second part. Connects two pieces of information..
Mixing these up can easily lead to unnatural translations. Refer to the bilingual context cards below to master the boundaries!
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.
Context for "間に合わない"
急がないと、電車に間に合わないかもしれません。
I might not make it in time for the train if I don't hurry.
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.
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.

Synonym Mastery Challenge

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" is correct here because it represents "not necessarily; not always (used with a negative predicate)" in the context: "Wealthy people are not necessarily happy.".

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