X dake ja naku Y (mo) – Not only X, but y (also)
The word dake (pronounced dah - kay) means only. Ja naku is one form of the negative present copula “to be”. Ja naku is an abbreviated version of the more formal expression for “isn’t” dewa nakute, or dewa naku. Dewa has over the years become ja for all intents and purposes. So this is a good point to remember- as dewa tends toward the contracted form ja, other Japanese words that start with the sound d tend toward j forms when in contraction.
Examples
Ringo dake ja naku banana mo kaimashita.
Not only apples but I also bought banana’s.
kohii dake ja naku o-cha mo suki desu.
Not only coffee but I also like tea.
Towards Better Japanese
Ganbatte ne!
Do Your Best!
Makurasuki
The word dake (pronounced dah - kay) means only. Ja naku is one form of the negative present copula “to be”. Ja naku is an abbreviated version of the more formal expression for “isn’t” dewa nakute, or dewa naku. Dewa has over the years become ja for all intents and purposes. So this is a good point to remember- as dewa tends toward the contracted form ja, other Japanese words that start with the sound d tend toward j forms when in contraction.
Examples
Ringo dake ja naku banana mo kaimashita.
Not only apples but I also bought banana’s.
kohii dake ja naku o-cha mo suki desu.
Not only coffee but I also like tea.
Towards Better Japanese
Ganbatte ne!
Do Your Best!
Makurasuki
