न कि (n ki)
conjunction
A correlative connective meaning 'and not' or 'rather than' -- used to sharply exclude an alternative after stating what is actually the case.
Sense
1
:
and not / rather than (correction or contrast)
conjunction Follows the element being affirmed and precedes the rejected alternative: 'X, न कि Y' = 'X, not Y.' It sharpens a contrast already set up earlier in the sentence, rather than introducing a new clause on its own.
Synonyms: बल्कि (balki), न (n, shorter variant in some frames)
Frequency: medium
Cultural Note: You will hear this a lot in careful, explanatory speech -- a teacher correcting a misconception might say something like 'यह सही जवाब है, न कि वह' (yah sahii javaab hai, n ki vah, 'this is the right answer, not that one'). It has a slightly formal, deliberate flavor, common in writing, speeches, and classroom correction, more than in casual chat between friends.
Common Mistakes: 1) Learners often place न कि (n ki) at the start of the sentence, but it almost always comes after the correct/affirmed item, introducing the rejected one second. 2) Confusing न कि (n ki) with बल्कि (balki): बल्कि (balki) usually adds or intensifies ('in fact, even'), while न कि (n ki) specifically excludes an alternative ('and not this other thing'). 3) Learners sometimes insert है (hai) or other verbs between the two contrasted elements, but न कि (n ki) typically joins two noun phrases or parallel elements directly without a verb in between.
Sample Sentences:
यह सही जवाब है, न कि वह।
This is the right answer, and not that one.
(yah sahii javaab hai, n ki vah।)
हमें मेहनत करनी चाहिए, न कि बहाने बनाना चाहिए।
We should work hard, and not make excuses.
(hamen mehnat karnii chaahie, n ki bahaane banaanaa chaahie।)
मुझे सच सुनना है, न कि झूठी तारीफ़।
I want to hear the truth, and not false praise.
(mujhe sach sunnaa hai, n ki jhoothii taariif।)
अध्यापक ने कहा कि नियम सबके लिए हैं, न कि सिर्फ़ कुछ छात्रों के लिए।
The teacher said that the rules are for everyone, and not just for a few students.
(adhyaapak ne kahaa ki niyam sabke lie hain, n ki sirf kuchh chhaatron ke lie।)
कृपया समस्या का हल ढूँढ़िए, न कि दूसरों को दोष दीजिए।
Please find a solution to the problem, and not blame others.
(kripyaa samasyaa kaa hal dhoondhie, n ki doosron ko dosh diijie।)
अगर वह ईमानदार होता, न कि लालची, तो सब उस पर भरोसा करते।
If he were honest, and not greedy, everyone would trust him.
(agar vah iimaandaar hotaa, n ki laalchii, to sab us par bharosaa karte।)
यह फ़ैसला जनता के हित में लिया गया है, न कि किसी व्यक्ति विशेष के लाभ के लिए।
This decision has been taken in the public interest, and not for the benefit of any particular individual.
(yah faislaa jantaa ke hit men liyaa gayaa hai, n ki kisii vyakti vishesh ke laabh ke lie।)
बच्चों को समझाया जाना चाहिए, न कि डराया जाना चाहिए।
Children should be explained to, and not frightened.
(bachchon ko samjhaayaa jaanaa chaahie, n ki daraayaa jaanaa chaahie।)
मैं वहाँ काम के लिए गया था, न कि छुट्टियाँ मनाने के लिए।
I had gone there for work, and not to enjoy a vacation.
(main vahaan kaam ke lie gayaa thaa, n ki chhuttiyaan manaane ke lie।)