When you want to explain your actions by ruling out a false assumption, Spanish pairs the subjunctive and indicative moods to contrast the fake reason with the real one.
Ruling out a reason with no es que
To say "It is not that [X], but rather that [Y]", use no es que followed by the subjunctive, and sino que followed by the indicative.
The first reason takes the subjunctive because you are rejecting it. The second takes the indicative because you are declaring the actual truth.
| It is not that I am looking for an excuse, but rather that I am feeling lazy. | No es que busque una excusa, sino que tengo pereza. |
| It is not that I am shy, but rather that I prefer to listen. | No es que sea tímido, sino que prefiero escuchar. |
| It is not that I reject the trip, but rather that my priority is to save money. | No es que rechace el viaje, sino que mi prioridad es ahorrar. |
Using no porque
You can also use no porque (not because) and sino porque (but because). The rule remains the same: the rejected reason takes the subjunctive, and the real reason takes the indicative.
| I am calling you not because I am looking for a pretext, but because I want to help you. | Te llamo no porque busque un pretexto, sino porque quiero ayudarte. |
Clarifying motives and feelings
This structure is especially common when clearing up misunderstandings about your intentions, character, or feelings.
| It is not that I act out of selfishness, but rather that my health is the priority. | No es que actúe por egoísmo, sino que mi salud es la prioridad. |
| It is not that it is intentional, but rather that I put it there without malice. | No es que sea intencional, sino que lo puse allí sin maldad. |
| It is not that his selfishness is intentional, but rather that he acts without malice. | No es que su egoísmo sea intencional, sino que actúa sin maldad. |
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