HSK 4
不是⋯⋯，而是⋯⋯
bú shì ⋯ ⋯ ， ér shì ⋯ ⋯
Not... but rather...
Explanation
不是⋯⋯，而是⋯⋯ (búshì...érshì...) is a correlative conjunction pair (a pair of words linking clauses) forming a compound sentence (a sentence with two or more clauses) of the type that negates one thing and then affirms the correct one, equivalent to "It's not... but rather..." in Vietnamese.
不是 búshì + the thing being negated, 而是 érshì + the thing that is actually true (for example 不是不想去，而是没时间 = it's not that I don't want to go, but that I have no time).
when you want to correct or clarify: to reject a mistaken understanding and state the truth in its place.
不是...而是... (negate A, affirm B — the two clauses are opposed) differs from 不是...就是... búshì...jiùshì... (if not this, then that — choosing one of two). Don't confuse 而是 with 就是.
using 但是 dànshì (but) in place of 而是; 而是 must be paired with 不是 in the preceding clause and cannot be replaced with 但是.
Examples
It's not that I don't want to go, but that I have no time.
This is not my book, but rather his.
The one at fault in this matter is not me, but him.
Practice
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Learn “不是⋯⋯，而是⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “不是⋯⋯，而是⋯⋯” (Not... but rather...) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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