ใช่ว่า

Explanation

ใช่ว่า is used to challenge an assumption or an overly simple generalization. Although ใช่ normally means “yes” or “to be correct” and ว่า introduces a clause, the combination ใช่ว่า conventionally has a negative function. The pattern “ใช่ว่า + clause” means that the clause is not necessarily true. It can also appear after a fact or condition to show that the expected conclusion does not automatically follow. When the following clause is already negative, the result may be a double negative. For example, ใช่ว่าฉันไม่รักเธอ means “It’s not that I don’t love you.”

Usage

It is used to correct a misunderstanding, explain that one fact does not automatically lead to a certain conclusion, or point out exceptions to a general claim. It occurs in conversation but is especially useful in explanations, arguments, and commentary.

Caution

Even though ใช่ว่า contains no ไม่, the expression as a whole is negative. Do not use it as a standalone “no” or “that’s incorrect”; use ไม่ใช่ for that. For a confirmation question such as “Is that right?”, use ใช่ไหม.

1 it is not that… synonyms

• ไม่ใช่ว่า

  ไม่ใช่ว่า has the same basic meaning, but its negative force is explicit and often easier to understand in everyday conversation. ใช่ว่า is negative even without ไม่ and can sound more rhetorical or compact.