Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Isso não é apenas um mito, mas sim a verdade. - That is not just a myth, but rather the truth.

Isso não é apenas um mito, mas sim a verdade.

That is not just a myth, but rather the truth.

Breakdown of Isso não é apenas um mito, mas sim a verdade.

Questions & Answers about Isso não é apenas um mito, mas sim a verdade.

What exactly does mas sim add that a simple mas doesn't?

While mas simply introduces a contrast ("but"), mas sim is used for corrective opposition. It translates roughly to "but rather" or "but instead." Because the first half of the sentence denies something (não é...), mas sim emphatically introduces the correct alternative.

Do I always have to use sim when correcting a negative statement like this?

It is not strictly mandatory, but it sounds much more natural. Saying não é apenas um mito, mas a verdade can feel a bit abrupt. The word sim acts as an anchor to show that you are offering a positive replacement for the negative claim.

Could I use só instead of apenas here?

Yes, não é só um mito would be perfectly correct and means the exact same thing. apenas is just slightly more formal and emphatic than só, which fits the dramatic tone of revealing a verdade (the truth).

Why use Isso here instead of Isto or Aquilo?

Isso translates to "that" and is the standard demonstrative pronoun for referring back to an abstract idea, statement, or rumor that was just mentioned in the conversation. Isto ("this") would introduce a new idea, and aquilo implies more emotional or temporal distance.