Translation guide
A phrase used to deny a misunderstanding, correct an assumption, or clarify that a situation is not as it seems. Japanese uses different expressions depending on the nuance: denying a characterization, softening a refusal, or explaining a reason.
To say that something is not the way someone thinks it is, often to correct a false impression.
The most direct and common way to say 'it's not like that.' Used in casual conversation to deny a statement or assumption.
A: 怒ってるの？ B: そうじゃないよ。
A: Are you mad? B: It's not like that.
Emphasizes that the interpretation is wrong. 'It's not that kind of thing.'
誤解しないで。そういうことじゃないんだ。
Don't get me wrong. It's not like that.
Literally 'it's different.' A blunt but common way to say 'that's not right.' Often used among friends.
違うよ、そうじゃなくて。
No, it's not like that.
Casual, slightly emphatic. 'It's not that (kind of thing).'
そんなんじゃないってば。
I told you, it's not like that.
To say 'it's not that I don't want to, but...' or to explain that a situation isn't as simple as a yes/no.
Pattern meaning 'it's not that...' Used to deny a specific interpretation while leaving room for nuance. Attach to a clause.
嫌いというわけじゃないけど、ちょっと苦手なんだ。
It's not that I dislike it, but I'm not very good at it.
行きたくないというわけじゃないんです。ただ、時間がなくて。
It's not that I don't want to go. It's just that I don't have time.
Adds 'particularly' or 'especially' to the denial. 'It's not particularly that...'
別に怒ってるわけじゃないよ。
It's not like I'm mad or anything.
To clarify that a situation is not as it appears because of some underlying reason.
Used to deny that a certain reason is the cause. 'It's not because...'
お金がないからじゃないよ。ただ、今は使いたくないだけ。
It's not because I don't have money. I just don't want to spend it now.
Directly says 'that's not the reason.'
そういう理由じゃないんだ。誤解しないで。
That's not the reason. Don't get the wrong idea.
Directly translating 'it's not like that' as 「それはそのようではない」 sounds unnatural. Use the expressions above depending on context.
「そうじゃない」 is softer and more explanatory. 「違う」 is more direct and can sound blunt. Use 「違う」 with caution in polite settings.
全然そうじゃないよ。
It's not like that at all.
本当にそうじゃないんだ。
I promise, it's not like that.