98524
This is a wanikani example sentence, and I posted about it on their community
tab, but users here tend to have a much better grasp on linguistics etc, so I
will ask here.

How is the grammar functioning here, じゃない is used for “are not for”. Any
breakdowns and or further examples of how じゃない is functioning and why? I
haven't seen it used like this before (I've only recently started reading more
in Japanese) but I would like to drill this into my head so I won't be
confused whilst reading if it comes up more.
CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-02-07T08:44:47.083
98523
2023-02-07T11:39:32.440
40080
question
grammar words
自転車は、忙しい車道じゃなく、歩道を走るべきだ。
I'm a native speaker of Japanese. Actually, the Japanese laws stipulate that
bicycles must not be ridden on sidewalks... And the usage of 忙しい here is wrong
as well because 忙しい is used only when people are busy. When streets are busy,
we never say 忙しい but would say 車が多い（many cars）.

Anyway, じゃない simply means "not". The word doesn't include "are" or "for".

  * 私は学生じゃない。I'm not a student.

  * 彼女はアメリカ人じゃない。She's not American.

When you want to say "not A but B", "じゃない" becomes "じゃなく" and you say
"AじゃなくB". Then, "not city streets but side walks" becomes "車道じゃなく歩道".
CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-02-07T11:39:32.440
98524
2023-02-07T11:39:32.440
55722
98523
answer