Question 1

Why is it Это and not the feminine Эта to match картина?

Accepted Answer

When 'this' is used as a dummy pronoun to say 'This is [something]', Russian always uses the fixed neuter form это, regardless of the noun's gender. You only use the feminine эта when 'this' acts as an adjective directly modifying the noun, as in эта оригинальная картина (this original painting).

Question 2

Why do we use а here instead of но?

Accepted Answer

The conjunction а is used to show direct contrast or correction, which is exactly what is happening here (it is an original, as opposed to a copy). You use но when adding unexpected or limiting information, like 'It is a copy, but it is expensive'. For 'X, not Y' comparisons, always use а не.

Question 3

Why is there a comma before а не?

Accepted Answer

Russian punctuation rules are very strict about conjunctions of contrast. You must always place a comma before а and но, even in short sentences where English might skip it.

Question 4

Can I change the word order to say 'This is not a copy, but an original painting'?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You can flip the structure to Это не копия, а оригинальная картина. Both versions use the same conjunction а to contrast the two ideas, and both sound completely natural to native speakers.

Это оригинальная картина, а не копия.

Breakdown of Это оригинальная картина, а не копия.

Questions & Answers about Это оригинальная картина, а не копия.

Learn Это оригинальная картина, а не копия and more in Russian