Using "Not... But

This pattern works like a balance scale. On one side, you have the wrong idea. On the other side, you have the truth. The first part 不是 (bú shì) means "is not." The second part 而是 (ér shì) means "but is" or "instead is." You are essentially saying, "Forget that first thing; here is the real deal." It is very logical. You do not leave the listener guessing. If you just say "No, I am not American," the person still does not know where you are from. By adding 而是, you finish the thought perfectly. It is like a grammar traffic light. The red light stops the wrong info. The green light gives the correct info. It is very satisfying to use. Even native speakers rely on this to avoid awkward misunderstandings.

1. 1Building this sentence is like a two-step dance. Follow these simple steps:
2. 2Start with your subject (like 我 or 这).
3. 3Add 不是 (bú shì) followed by the incorrect noun or phrase.
4. 4Add a comma to catch your breath.
5. 5Add 而是 (ér shì) followed by the correct noun or phrase.
6. 6The basic formula looks like this: [Subject] + 不是 + [Wrong Thing] + 而是 + [Right Thing].
7. 7For example: 这不是咖啡，而是茶。 (This is not coffee, but tea.)
8. 8You can also use it with reasons or actions. Just make sure the two things you are comparing are similar types of words. You would not usually compare a cat to a Tuesday. Keep it logical and you will be fine!

You will find yourself using this in many real-world scenarios. Imagine you are at a restaurant. The waiter brings you spicy noodles. You ordered mild ones. You can say, "This is not what I ordered, but this other thing." It sounds very clear and firm but polite. Use it when someone misidentifies your job. "I am not a doctor, but a nurse." Use it when someone misunderstands your intentions. "I am not angry, but just tired." It is great for job interviews too. "I am not just looking for a job, but a career." It helps you define who you are and what you want. It is also perfect for asking directions. "Is that the bank?" "No, that is not the bank, but the library."

Do not use this for simple "but" sentences. If you just want to say "I like apples, but I don't like pears," use 但是 (dànshì). 不是...而是... is specifically for correcting a false choice. Also, do not use it when you want to say "not only... but also." That is a different pattern (不但...而且...). If there is no misunderstanding to fix, you probably do not need 而是. For example, "I am not tall, but I am fast" is better with 但是. Why? Because being tall and being fast are not mutually exclusive corrections. Only use our star pattern when you are replacing a wrong fact with a right one. It is about accuracy, not just adding extra information.

One big mistake is forgetting the 而是 entirely. Some learners just say 不是...但是.... While people might understand you, it sounds a bit clunky. It is like wearing one shoe. Another mistake is putting the subject in the wrong place. The subject usually comes before 不是. Do not say 不是我是老师. Say 我不是老师. Also, watch out for the tone of 不是. Both characters are usually 4th tone, but 不 changes to 2nd tone before another 4th tone. So it sounds like bú shì. Yes, even native speakers mess up the flow sometimes, so do not sweat it! Just keep the two parts of the sentence balanced. If the first part is a short noun, the second part should be a short noun too.

Let's look at 不是...而是... versus 不但...而且.... The first one corrects a mistake. The second one adds more info. 他不是老师，而是学生 means he is definitely NOT a teacher. 他不但说是老师，而且是校长 means he is a teacher AND a principal. See the difference? One is a replacement, the other is an addition. You should also distinguish it from 虽然...但是... (although... but...). 虽然 is for contrasting two true facts. 不是...而是... is for rejecting one false fact. Think of 而是 as the "correction officer" of Chinese grammar. It is there to set the record straight. If you want to be precise, 而是 is your best friend.