～わけではない
wake dewa nai
It does not mean that; not necessarily; not entirely
Formation 接続
Plain-form verb or i-adjective + わけではない. Present affirmative noun/na-adjective + な/である + わけではない. Colloquially: わけじゃない.
Explanation 説明
Reject an interpretation or generalization without necessarily denying the whole situation. With expressions such as always or all, it often gives a partial negative. It is also useful for gently correcting a possible misunderstanding.
Examples 例文
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甘い物が嫌いなわけではありませんが、今は食べたくありません。
It is not that I dislike sweets, but I do not want any now.
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毎日運動しているわけではありません。
I do not exercise every day.
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値段が安いからといって、品質が悪いわけではありません。
A low price does not necessarily mean poor quality.
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説明を全部理解したわけではありません。
I have not understood the entire explanation.
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あなたを責めているわけではありません。理由を知りたいだけです。
I am not blaming you. I just want to know the reason.
How related patterns differ 比較
わけではない and わけでもない reject an interpretation or generalization. わけがない strongly rules out a possibility; わけない is its colloquial form. わけだ presents a logical conclusion, while わけにはいかない concerns duties or principles that prevent an action.
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ～わけではない | It does not mean that; not necessarily; not entirely | 甘い物が嫌いなわけではありませんが、今は食べたくありません。 It is not that I dislike sweets, but I do not want any now. |
| ～わけない | There is no way that (colloquial わけがない) | 彼は今海外にいるから、今日ここに来るわけないよ。 He is abroad now, so there is no way he will come here today. |
| ～わけだ | That explains why; it follows that; no wonder | 彼は十年日本に住んでいたんですね。日本語が上手なわけです。 So he lived in Japan for ten years. No wonder his Japanese is good. |
| ～わけでもない | It is not particularly the case that; not necessarily either | 特に用事があるわけでもないので、家で休みます。 I do not have anything particular to do, so I will rest at home. |
| ～わけにはいかない | Cannot do because of an obligation or social reason | 大事な約束があるので、今日は休むわけにはいきません。 I have an important commitment, so I cannot take today off. |
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