ではなく

ではなく is a negative connective form that contrasts two things.

Forms

• Noun + ではなく (formal/written)
• Noun + じゃなく (casual/spoken)
• Noun + ではなくて (with continuation)

Common patterns

• 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 words

• 〜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

Usage

• Explicitly contrasts and negates the first item
• Often used to correct assumptions or clarify