くは (Emphasis and Contrast)
Emphasis and Contrast
JLPT N4
Pattern
い-adjective (～くは) + ない
How it works
Inserting は into an い-adjective's negative (高くはない) adds contrast or softens it: “it's not exactly expensive (but…)”. The same works with な-adjectives: きれいではない.
Examples
- この かばんは 高くは ないですが、重いです。This bag isn't expensive, but it's heavy.
- まずくは ないけど、おいしくも ない。It's not bad, but it's not good either.
Related grammar
- ～にする・～くするAdjective + する, To make something/someone (more)
- といいI hope, I wish, You should, It would be good
- く・に～ly (Describing verbs), Adverbs
- ようになるTo reach the point that, To come to be that, To turn into
- 〜ようと思う・〜おうと思うI think I will, I think I shall, Going to, Gonna (Volitional + と思う)
- まい～のようにAlmost every ~, Nearly every ~, On a ~ basis
Further reading
Bunpro N4 · Lesson 4Put your practice together
Work through a complete paper at your own pace or choose a timed mock exam. No account is needed to begin.