-는 것은 아니다
Used to partially deny a presupposition — to clarify that something is not entirely true, without fully agreeing or disagreeing.
Summary
Equivalent
It's not that... / It's not the case that...
Also: -지는 않다 (Softer negative emphasis)
Example
It's not that I'm lying, but it's difficult to say everything.
제가 거짓말을 하는 것은 아니지만 전부 말하기 어려워요.
Grammar rules
- Sets up a nuanced denial.
- The speaker acknowledges the premise but corrects it: 'It's not that I hate it — I just find it difficult.'
Patterns
Verbs (Partial Denial)
Present · Verb Stem + 는 것은 아니다
Adjectives (Partial Denial)
Present · Adj Stem + (으)ㄴ 것은 아니다
Example sentences
It's not that I'm lying, but it's difficult to say everything.
제가 거짓말을 하는 것은 아니지만 전부 말하기 어려워요.
It's not that I dislike it, I'm just not used to it.
싫은 것은 아닌데 그냥 익숙하지 않아서요.
It's not that I want to give up, it's just really hard.
포기하고 싶은 것은 아닌데 너무 힘드네요.
Conversation
A: Do you dislike Korean food?
한국 음식이 싫어요?
B: It's not that I dislike it, it's just that a lot of it is too spicy for me.
싫은 것은 아닌데 저한테는 너무 매운 것들이 많아요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Partially deny the presupposition.
Not angry.
Not boring.