JLPT N2 reference · Complex syntax
わけではない
It rejects an overgeneralized interpretation without necessarily denying the entire preceding fact.
Core meaning and form
Attach わけではない to a plain clause; nouns and な-adjectives commonly use なわけではない. With 全て or 必ずしも, it often means “not all” or “not necessarily.”
- Form: Attach わけではない to a plain clause; nouns and な-adjectives commonly use なわけではない.
- Core use: It rejects an overgeneralized interpretation without necessarily denying the entire preceding fact.
- Context: With 全て or 必ずしも, it often means “not all” or “not necessarily.”
Examples in context
甘い物が嫌いなわけではない。Amai mono ga kirai na wake dewa nai.It is not that I dislike sweet things.
高ければ品質がいいわけではない。Takakereba hinshitsu ga ii wake dewa nai.Being expensive does not necessarily mean good quality.
全員が賛成したわけではありません。Zen-in ga sansei shita wake dewa arimasen.Not everyone agreed.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Attach わけではない to a plain clause; nouns and な-adjectives commonly use なわけではない.
- It rejects an overgeneralized interpretation without necessarily denying the entire preceding fact.
- With 全て or 必ずしも, it often means “not all” or “not necessarily.”