bukan semata-mata ... melainkan ...
Not Merely but Rather
bukan semata-mata [X] ... melainkan [Y] ...
Meaning: "Not merely [X] but rather [Y]."
Used to correct an incomplete view (X) with a deeper truth (Y).
How It Works
In formal Malay, this structure is used to refine an argument or provide a more sophisticated definition of a concept.
1. Grammatical Components:
- bukan: The required negator because the contrast involves nouns, identities, or categorical concepts.
- semata-mata: An adverb meaning "solely," "purely," or "merely."
- melainkan: The formal conjunction used to introduce the "correct" or "superior" alternative. While it often means "except" in basic Malay, here it functions as "but rather."
2. Register and Usage:
This is a Level 5 pattern, meaning it is highly formal. You will encounter it in academic writing, legal texts, and formal speeches. It is rarely used in casual conversation, where speakers would prefer simpler structures like bukan ... tetapi ....
3. Logical Function:
It is exclusive and corrective. It tells the listener: "You might think it is just X, but that is insufficient; the real essence is Y."
Examples (4)
- Pendidikan bukan semata-mata untuk lulus peperiksaan, melainkan untuk membentuk peribadi insan yang mulia.
Education is not merely for passing exams, but rather to shape a person of noble character.
Word by Word: Education not solely for pass exam, but rather for form personality human that noble.
This example corrects the narrow view of education (exams) with a broader philosophical goal (character).
- Kedaulatan undang-undang bukan semata-mata tentang hukuman, melainkan tentang keadilan bagi setiap warganegara.
The rule of law is not merely about punishment, but rather about justice for every citizen.
Word by Word: Sovereignty law not solely about punishment, but rather about justice for every citizen.
Here, the focus is shifted from the punitive aspect of law to its essential purpose: justice.
- Masalah ini bukan semata-mata isu ekonomi, melainkan krisis nilai yang mendalam.
This problem is not merely an economic issue, but rather a deep crisis of values.
Word by Word: Problem this not solely issue economy, but rather crisis value that deep.
The speaker dismisses a purely financial interpretation of a problem to highlight a moral one.
- Kejayaan bukan semata-mata diukur dengan wang, melainkan dengan sumbangan kita kepada masyarakat.
Success is not merely measured by money, but rather by our contribution to society.
Word by Word: Success not solely measured with money, but rather with contribution our to society.
This uses the frame to redefine the metric of success from material to social.
Common Mistakes
Using 'tetapi' where 'melainkan' is the tidier formal match.
Bukan semata-mata X tetapi Y.Bukan semata-mata X melainkan Y.'Bukan ... tetapi ...' is also used and is understood. In careful formal writing, 'melainkan' is the usual partner for 'bukan' when you correct a noun or phrase.
Confusing this pattern with 'bukan sahaja... malah...' (not only... but also).
Bukan semata-mata dia pandai melainkan dia rajin.Bukan sahaja dia pandai, malah dia rajin.If you want to say someone is both smart and hardworking, use 'bukan sahaja'. Use 'bukan semata-mata' only when you want to correct or refine a definition.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'bukan semata-mata ... melainkan ...', you first need to be comfortable with basic contrastive negation using 'bukan'. This specific frame is a formal version of 'not just X, but rather Y', requiring an understanding of how Malay rejects one premise to introduce a more significant one.
- bukan ... tetapi ...Not X but Y
This is the basic 'not X but Y' contrastive frame that 'bukan semata-mata ... melainkan ...' builds upon for more formal and nuanced correction.
Level 3 - malahUnexpected Addition or Reversal
The word 'melainkan' in this context functions similarly to 'malah' (rather/instead), providing a stronger or more accurate replacement for the negated idea.
Level 4
Related Patterns
- bukanNegating Nouns with Bukan
The foundational negator used for nouns and categories, which forms the first part of this pattern.
Level 1 - tidak ... tetapi ...Not Doing X but Doing Y
The equivalent corrective pattern used specifically for verbs and adjectives.
Level 3 - bukan hanya ... melainkan juga ...Formal Not Only but Also
A formal additive pattern ('not only... but also') that is often confused with the corrective 'semata-mata' version.
Level 4 - hanyaOnly with Hanya
A simpler way to say 'only' or 'merely', though less formal than 'semata-mata'.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice bukan semata-mata ... melainkan ... in Bubblegum
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