Japanese Conversational Toolkit
That's not the case そんなことはない
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そんなことはない literally means "that matter is not."
That's not true. That's not the case. I should think not! No way! Don't be silly. Not really.
EXAMPLE CONTEXTS:
This is often used
- to deny any allegations (often for humility)
- to softly encourage someone that the negative thing they are saying isn't true
そんなことはない can be a strong rebuke or a polite way to encourage someone. It is also often used to play down a compliment. It all depends on context and the tone of your voice.
VARIATIONS
いいえ、違います。
No, that’s not true. (This sounds more assertive and confident.)
そうではありません。
That is not the case. (This sounds more formal and distant.)
会話 Conversation #1:
私は大失敗しました。もう終わりだ。
I really messed up this time. It's over.
そんなことはないわよ。頑張ったら、大丈夫よ。
That's not true. If you keep at it, it’ll be all right.
Vocabulary
会話 Conversation #2:
わたし子育てにむいてないわ。
I'm not fit to raise children.
そんなことはないよ。きっといいお母さんになれるよ！
Don't be silly. I think you'll be a good mother.
Vocabulary
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