不是...而是... for “Not … But …”
Use 不是……，而是…… to reject one idea and give the right one instead.
Pattern
不是 + A，而是 + B
A is wrong and B is right: the second part corrects the first.
他不是不想来，而是太忙了。
When to use 不是...而是... for “Not … But …”
不是 A，而是 B says that A is not the case and B is. The speaker sets aside a wrong guess or a common idea, then gives the true reason, fact or goal.
我学中文不是为了考试，而是因为喜欢。
I study Chinese not for exams but because I like it.
问题不是钱，而是时间。
The problem isn’t money; it’s time.
她不是不会做，而是太粗心了。
It’s not that she can’t do it; she’s just too careless.
成功靠的不是运气，而是努力。
Success depends not on luck but on hard work.
Common traps
- Don’t confuse 而是 (“but rather”) with 而且 (“and also”).
- 不是……，就是…… means “either … or …”; it does not correct a wrong idea.
- Keep A and B parallel: compare a reason with a reason, a person with a person.
Targeted drill
Practice this exact pattern before moving on.
Keep this pattern in review.
You just practiced a real grammar card. Create a free account to save this pattern, schedule the next review, and keep studying from where you left off.
$9.99
Monthly
Per month
Best Value
$49.99
Yearly Unlimited
Per year
$119.99
Lifetime
One-time