This is the 571st most frequent Malay word.
bukanlah
"Is not" or "is not actually."
Here, 'bukanlah' is used for emphasis within a negation statement, suggesting that what follows is not easy and requiring a further explanation.
Ini bukanlah perkara yang mudah.
This is not an easy matter.
In this sentence, 'bukanlah' softens the negation, implying that although someone is not a professional, they still possess relevant qualities.
Dia bukanlah seorang penyanyi profesional, tetapi suaranya merdu.
He is not exactly a professional singer, yet his voice is melodious.
'Bukanlah' is employed to politely express negation, emphasizing the speaker's intent or lack thereof.