Phrase lesson
How do you say "That's not it" in Japanese?
That's not it
Answer
Two layers, same practical line
そうじゃないです
そう じゃないです
sou janai desu
Lesson body
Phrase breakdown and usage notes
Quick use
Use そうじゃないです (sou janai desu) when you want to say “that is not it” or “that is not what I mean.”
Chunk or pattern
- This is a fixed phrase.
- Learn the whole line first instead of rebuilding it word by word.
- It is useful when you need to correct someone’s understanding.
Core words
そう: that way / like that.じゃないです: is not.
Practical note
ちがいます is a short correction. そうじゃないです is often useful when the other person’s interpretation is not what you meant.
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