ではなく
ではなく
expression
not ~ but, rather than
1.
not ~ but, rather than ~
Negates one thing and implies or states an alternative.
ではなく is a negative connective form that contrasts two things.
FORM:
- Noun + ではなく (formal/written)
- Noun + じゃなく (casual/spoken)
- Noun + ではなくて (with continuation)
STRUCTURE:
- A ではなく B: "not A but B"
- A ではなく、B だ: "It's not A, it's B"
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 〜ではなくて: Same meaning with て-form continuation
- 〜じゃなくて: Casual equivalent
- 〜のではなく: After verbs/adjectives
NUANCE:
- Explicitly contrasts and negates the first item
- Often used to correct assumptions or clarify