わけではない (wake dewa nai): Not necessarily or it does not mean that
~わけではない (wake dewa nai)
Meaning
It does not mean that; not necessarily; not entirely
Formation and usage
Plain-form verb or i-adjective + わけではない. Present affirmative noun/na-adjective + な/である + わけではない. Colloquially: わけじゃない.
Explanation
Reject an interpretation or generalization without necessarily denying the whole situation. With expressions such as always or all, it often gives a partial negative. It is also useful for gently correcting a possible misunderstanding.
Examples
甘い物が嫌いなわけではありませんが、今は食べたくありません。
It is not that I dislike sweets, but I do not want any now.
毎日運動しているわけではありません。
I do not exercise every day.
値段が安いからといって、品質が悪いわけではありません。
A low price does not necessarily mean poor quality.
説明を全部理解したわけではありません。
I have not understood the entire explanation.
あなたを責めているわけではありません。理由を知りたいだけです。
I am not blaming you. I just want to know the reason.
How related patterns differ
わけではない and わけでもない reject an interpretation or generalization. わけがない strongly rules out a possibility; わけない is its colloquial form. わけだ presents a logical conclusion, while わけにはいかない concerns duties or principles that prevent an action.