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Vocabulary
～だけでなく

B1 noun #1,000 most common 10 min read

～だけでなく

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ～だけでなく in 30 Seconds

Explanation ～だけでなく in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to connect ideas. Usually, you use 'to' (and) to join words. 'Dake de naku' is a bit more advanced, but you can think of it as a special way to say 'and also.' Instead of saying 'I like apples and oranges,' you are saying 'I like not only apples but also oranges.' It makes your sentences sound a bit more interesting. You mostly use it with simple nouns like food, hobbies, or people. Remember to add 'mo' (also) in the second part of the sentence to make it work correctly. It's like a two-part puzzle: 'Not only A... but also B.'

At the A2 level, you can use 'dake de naku' to describe things in more detail. You might use it to talk about your skills or your city. For example, 'My city is not only big but also beautiful.' You are starting to use it with adjectives. Just remember, for 'na-adjectives,' you need to say 'na' before 'dake de naku.' This structure helps you avoid repeating the same simple sentences over and over. It connects your thoughts and shows that you are thinking about more than one feature at a time. It is very useful for basic self-introductions and descriptions of daily life.

At the B1 level, 'dake de naku' becomes a core part of your grammar. You use it to connect complex ideas, verbs, and clauses. You can explain reasons, describe multifaceted situations, and provide more depth in your conversations. You understand that the second part of the sentence often carries more weight and usually includes the particle 'mo.' You are also starting to see this phrase in newspapers and hear it in more formal contexts like business meetings. It allows you to express that something has multiple functions or impacts, which is essential for reaching an intermediate level of fluency.

At the B2 level, you use 'dake de naku' with precision and variety. You can distinguish between this phrase and more formal alternatives like 'nomi narazu' or 'bakari ka.' You use it to build logical arguments in essays and discussions. You are comfortable using it with different verb forms (past, potential, etc.) and in negative sentences. You also use it to highlight social issues or professional advantages. Your sentences are well-balanced, and you use the structure to guide the listener's attention to the most important part of your statement. You understand the rhetorical power of the 'not only... but also' construction.

At the C1 level, 'dake de naku' is used effortlessly to manage complex discourse. You use it to frame abstract concepts and intricate relationships between ideas. You are sensitive to the subtle nuances it provides compared to other additive markers. You might use it to set up a counter-intuitive point or to meticulously list the various dimensions of a philosophical or technical topic. In writing, you use it to create a sophisticated rhythm, often pairing it with advanced vocabulary to convey high-level thoughts. You recognize its use in classical-style modern Japanese and can adapt your usage based on the specific register required for the situation.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'dake de naku' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You use it with perfect timing and tone, often employing it in high-stakes environments like legal arguments, academic lectures, or literary critiques. You understand its historical roots and how it interacts with the broader system of Japanese honorifics and formal speech. You can use it to create subtle irony or to provide exhaustive detail in a way that feels natural and authoritative. It is no longer just a 'grammar point' to you, but a flexible tool for shaping thought and influence in the Japanese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

～だけでなく in 30 Seconds

Used to say 'not only A but also B.'
Connects nouns, verbs, and adjectives easily.
Pairs with 'mo' in the second part of the sentence.
Essential for intermediate (B1) level Japanese communication.

The Japanese grammatical structure ～だけでなく is a versatile and essential additive conjunction used to express that a situation or quality is not limited to one specific thing but extends to others as well. In English, it most directly translates to 'not only... but also.' This structure is fundamental for moving beyond simple sentence construction and into the realm of complex, nuanced communication. It allows speakers to layer information, providing a more comprehensive picture of a subject. When you use だけでなく, you are setting up an expectation in the listener's mind: you have mentioned one point (the 'A' part), and you are about to provide an additional, often more significant or surprising, point (the 'B' part).

Core Meaning: The phrase literally breaks down into dake (only) and naku (the adverbial form of nai, meaning not). Together, they negate the idea of 'only,' implying that there is more to come. It serves as a bridge between two related concepts, emphasizing that the first is just the starting point.
Social Context: In Japanese society, where providing context and being thorough is often valued, this structure is used frequently in both formal and informal settings. In business, it highlights multiple benefits of a product; in daily life, it describes the multi-faceted nature of a person or an event. It is polite yet firm, showing that the speaker has considered multiple angles of a topic.

彼は日本語だけでなく、中国語も話せます。
(He can speak not only Japanese but also Chinese.)

The usage of だけでなく often carries a rhetorical weight. It is not just about adding facts; it is about building an argument or a narrative. For instance, saying 'The food was cheap and good' is informative, but saying 'The food was not only cheap but also incredibly delicious' adds an element of praise and emphasis that elevates the statement. It suggests that the second part might be even more noteworthy than the first. This is why you will frequently see it paired with the particle も (also) in the following clause, which serves to reinforce the addition.

この映画は子供だけでなく、大人も楽しめます。
(This movie can be enjoyed not only by children but also by adults.)

People use this word when they want to avoid sounding simplistic. It is a hallmark of reaching the B1 level of proficiency, where you begin to synthesize information rather than listing it. In professional presentations, it is used to list features: 'This software is not only fast but also secure.' In personal stories, it adds depth: 'She is not only my teacher but also my mentor.' By mastering this phrase, you allow your Japanese to sound more sophisticated, logical, and expressive. It bridges the gap between basic 'and' sentences and more professional, native-like discourse.

The grammar for ～だけでなく varies slightly depending on what part of speech it follows, but the core principle remains consistent. It is usually followed by a second clause that contains the particle も (also) or まで (even) to complete the 'but also' part of the thought. Understanding these connections is key to using the phrase correctly and naturally.

With Nouns: This is the most common usage. Simply attach だけでなく directly to the noun. No particles like は or が are needed between the noun and だけでなく.
Example: ピアノだけでなく (Not only piano...)
With Verbs: Use the plain form (dictionary form, past form, etc.) of the verb before だけでなく. This allows you to describe actions.
Example: 食べるだけでなく (Not only eating...)
With Adjectives: For i-adjectives, use the dictionary form. For na-adjectives, you must include な before だけでなく.
Example: きれいなだけでなく (Not only beautiful...)

野菜を食べるだけでなく、運動も大切です。
(Not only eating vegetables, but exercise is also important.)

One of the most important things to remember is the structure of the second half of the sentence. While だけでなく handles the 'not only' part, the 'but also' part is usually signaled by ～も. If you forget the も, the sentence might feel unfinished or slightly unnatural. For example, instead of 'A dake de naku, B desu,' you should say 'A dake de naku, B mo desu.' This creates a rhythmic and logical flow that Japanese listeners expect.

彼女は歌が上手なだけでなく、ダンスも得意です。
(She is not only good at singing but also skilled at dancing.)

When using だけでなく with negative forms, it means 'not only [negative thing], but also [another negative thing].' For example, 'It’s not only not raining, but the sun is also out.' (雨が降っていないだけでなく、太陽も出ています). This demonstrates that the structure is purely additive and doesn't inherently carry a positive or negative bias; it simply stacks two conditions together. Mastery of this pattern allows for more complex descriptions of states and actions, making your Japanese sound more academic and well-structured.

You will encounter ～だけでなく in almost every facet of Japanese life, from the mundane to the highly professional. Its utility makes it a 'workhorse' of the language. In media, marketing, and education, it is a primary tool for explaining complex benefits or multifaceted problems. Let’s look at some specific domains where this phrase is indispensable.

Advertising & Marketing: Advertisements are perhaps the most common place to see this. Brands want to emphasize that their product does more than one thing. 'This cream is not only for moisturizing but also for whitening.' (このクリームは保湿だけでなく、美白効果もあります). Using this structure helps justify the price or value of a product by highlighting its versatility.
News & Documentaries: News reports use だけでなく to connect various aspects of a story. 'The earthquake affected not only the coastal areas but also the inland cities.' This helps the reporter provide a comprehensive summary of an event's impact, ensuring that the audience understands the full scale of the situation.
Educational Settings: Teachers use it to expand on students' knowledge. 'To learn a language, you need not only grammar but also cultural understanding.' It is a tool for pedagogical expansion, moving from a single focus to a holistic view of a subject.

東京は観光だけでなく、ビジネスの中心地でもあります。
(Tokyo is not only for sightseeing but is also a center for business.)

In casual conversation, you might hear it when people are praising someone or something. 'He's not only handsome, but he's also really kind!' (彼はイケメンなだけでなく、すごく優しいんだよ！). Here, it acts as a build-up to a compliment, making the praise feel more heartfelt and considered. It is also used in self-introductions to show a range of interests: 'I like not only anime but also Japanese history.' This helps create a more rounded image of oneself in the eyes of others.

Finally, in the workplace, it is used during brainstorming sessions or meetings to add ideas to the table. 'We should consider not only the cost but also the long-term environmental impact.' Using this phrase shows that you are thinking critically and considering multiple variables, which is a highly valued trait in professional Japanese environments. It moves the conversation from a single-track focus to a multi-dimensional analysis.

While ～だけでなく is a relatively straightforward structure, learners often stumble on a few specific grammatical and contextual points. Avoiding these mistakes will help you sound more natural and ensure your meaning is clear. The most frequent errors involve the connection with na-adjectives and the omission of the secondary particle mo.

The 'Na' Adjective Trap: When using a na-adjective, many learners forget to include the な. For example, saying 'Shizuka dake de naku' (Incorrect) instead of 'Shizuka na dake de naku' (Correct). Because dake acts like a noun in this grammatical structure, it requires the na connector just like any other noun-modifying adjective phrase.
Forgetting the 'Mo': As mentioned before, the second half of the sentence almost always needs も. A common mistake is using は or が in the second clause. While grammatically possible in some specific contexts, it often loses the 'also' nuance, making the sentence sound like two separate, unconnected statements rather than a unified 'not only... but also' thought.
Overusing with Simple Lists: Sometimes learners use だけでなく for simple lists where と (and) or や (and so on) would be more appropriate. Use だけでなく only when you want to emphasize the addition or the extent of something. If you're just listing groceries, 'Ringo to mikan' is better than 'Ringo dake de naku mikan mo'.

× 彼は親切だけでなく、頭もいい。
○ 彼は親切なだけでなく、頭もいい。
(He is not only kind but also smart.)

Another subtle mistake is the balance between the two items being compared. Usually, the second item should be of equal or greater importance than the first. If you say 'Not only did he win a Nobel Prize, but he also ate a sandwich,' the sentence feels logically unbalanced and strange to a native speaker. The 'B' part should naturally follow or exceed the 'A' part in terms of scale or relevance. This logical flow is essential for the structure to feel natural.

Lastly, be careful with the politeness level. While だけでなく is neutral, the end of the sentence determines the overall politeness. You can use it in a casual sentence (～だけでなく、～もだよ) or a formal one (～だけでなく、～もです). Ensure that the level of politeness is consistent throughout the entire sentence to maintain a professional or appropriate tone.

Japanese has several ways to express the idea of 'not only... but also,' each with its own level of formality and specific nuance. Knowing when to use だけでなく versus its alternatives will significantly improve your expressive range. Here is a comparison of the most common similar structures.

～ばかりか (Bakari ka): This is more emphatic and slightly more formal than だけでなく. It often implies that the second part is even more surprising or extreme than the first. It's like saying 'Not only A, but even B!' It is frequently used in negative contexts to emphasize a worsening situation.
Example: 彼は嘘をついたばかりか、逆ギレした。(Not only did he lie, he even got angry at me!)
～のみならず (Nomi narazu): This is the highly formal, written version of だけでなく. You will see this in academic papers, formal speeches, and literary texts. It functions exactly the same way but carries a much heavier, more sophisticated 'weight' to it.
Example: 国内のみならず、海外でも評価されている。(Evaluated not only domestically but also abroad.)
～に限らず (Ni kagirazu): This means 'not limited to.' While similar to だけでなく, it focuses on the scope. It suggests that the topic applies to a wider range than just the one mentioned. It’s often used for broader categories.
Example: 若者に限らず、お年寄りもスマホを使っている。(Not limited to young people, the elderly also use smartphones.)

その問題は一人に限らず、全員に関係がある。
(That problem is not limited to one person; it concerns everyone.)

Choosing between these depends entirely on your context. If you are chatting with a friend, だけでなく is always the safe and natural choice. If you are writing a formal report for your boss, のみならず might make you look more professional. If you want to express shock or disbelief at how much more there is to a story, ばかりか is the way to go. Understanding these subtle shifts in register and tone is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker.

Finally, remember that はもちろん (A wa mochiron B mo) is another alternative which means 'A is a given, but B as well.' This is used when A is an obvious example and you want to point out that B is also included. For instance, 'He speaks Japanese, of course, but also English.' (彼は日本語はもちろん、英語も話せる). This is a great way to structure comparisons when one item is clearly the standard or most expected one.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'naku' in 'dake de naku' is the same 'naku' found in the word for 'crying' (泣く), though they are written with different kanji and have completely different meanings!

Pronunciation Guide

UK dake de naku

US dake de naku

Flat pitch accent (Heiban). The pitch starts low and rises, staying high for the rest of the phrase.

Rhymes With

kaku (to write) kiku (to listen) haku (to wear) aku (to open) saku (to bloom) taku (to cook) yaku (to burn) raku (easy)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'dake' like 'cake' (it should be dah-keh).
Over-emphasizing the 'u' at the end of 'naku'.
Pausing too long between 'dake' and 'de naku'.
Mixing up the pitch with 'dake' used as a standalone particle.
Mispronouncing 'naku' as 'niku' (meat).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but requires understanding the whole sentence structure.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct conjugation of adjectives and verbs before the phrase.

Speaking 4/5

Maintaining the 'mo' in the second clause takes practice to sound natural.

Listening 3/5

The phrase is common and usually clearly articulated.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

だけ (dake) ない (nai) も (mo) と (to) や (ya)

Learn Next

ばかりか (bakari ka) のみならず (nomi narazu) に限らず (ni kagirazu) はもちろん (mochiron)

Advanced

に留まらず (ni todomarazu) を皮切りに (o kawakiri ni) はおろか (wa oroka)

Grammar to Know

Particle 'Mo'

AだけでなくBも。

Na-Adjective + Na

きれいなだけでなく。

Dictionary Form Verbs

食べるだけでなく。

Negative 'Naku'

雨が降っていないだけでなく。

Nominalization with 'Koto'

勉強するだけでなく、理解することも大切だ。

Examples by Level

りんごだけでなく、バナナも好きです。

Not only apples, but I also like bananas.

Noun + だけでなく

日本だけでなく、アメリカも大きいです。

Not only Japan, but America is also big.

Simple comparison of two nouns.

母だけでなく、父も先生です。

Not only my mother, but my father is also a teacher.

Using だけでなく with people.

月曜日だけでなく、火曜日も休みです。

Not only Monday, but Tuesday is also a holiday.

Using だけでなく with time nouns.

ペンだけでなく、ノートも買いました。

I bought not only a pen but also a notebook.

Connecting two objects of an action.

猫だけでなく、犬もいます。

There is not only a cat but also a dog.

Using with the verb 'iru' (to exist).

水だけでなく、お茶も飲みます。

I drink not only water but also tea.

Simple verb phrase connection.

私だけでなく、友達も行きます。

Not only me, but my friend is also going.

Subject addition.

この店は安いだけでなく、おいしいです。

This shop is not only cheap but also delicious.

I-adjective + だけでなく

彼は親切なだけでなく、とても元気です。

He is not only kind but also very energetic.

Na-adjective + な + だけでなく

日本語を勉強するだけでなく、英語も勉強しています。

I am not only studying Japanese but also English.

Verb dictionary form + だけでなく

この映画は有名なだけでなく、面白いです。

This movie is not only famous but also interesting.

Na-adjective + な + だけでなく

朝だけでなく、夜も練習します。

I practice not only in the morning but also at night.

Time nouns with だけでなく.

東京だけでなく、大阪にも行きたいです。

I want to go not only to Tokyo but also to Osaka.

Noun + だけでなく + Destination particle.

歌うだけでなく、ギターも弾けます。

I can not only sing but also play the guitar.

Connecting two potential actions.

子供だけでなく、大人もこの本を読みます。

Not only children but also adults read this book.

Broadening the subject scope.

環境を守るためには、ゴミを減らすだけでなく、リサイクルも必要だ。

To protect the environment, not only reducing trash but also recycling is necessary.

Verb clause + だけでなく

このスマホはデザインがいいだけでなく、機能も充実している。

This smartphone not only has a good design but also is full of features.

Noun + だけでなく + Clause with も

彼は仕事ができるだけでなく、性格も素晴らしい。

He is not only capable at work but also has a great personality.

Verb potential form + だけでなく

言葉を覚えるだけでなく、文化を理解することも大切です。

It is important not only to memorize words but also to understand the culture.

Verb + だけでなく + Nominalized clause (koto).

そのニュースは日本国内だけでなく、世界中で話題になった。

That news became a topic not only in Japan but also all over the world.

Geographic scope expansion.

健康のために、食事に気をつけるだけでなく、十分な睡眠もとってください。

For your health, not only be careful with your diet but also get enough sleep.

Imperative context with だけでなく.

この薬は痛みを抑えるだけでなく、熱を下げる効果もあります。

This medicine not only suppresses pain but also has the effect of lowering fever.

Functional description of an object.

彼女はピアノが弾けるだけでなく、作曲も自分でするそうだ。

I heard she not only plays the piano but also composes music herself.

Connecting skills with hearsay (sou da).

最近の若者は、給料だけでなく、ワークライフバランスも重視している。

Young people these days value not only salary but also work-life balance.

Noun + だけでなく in a sociological context.

彼は自分のミスを認めただけでなく、すぐに対策を提案した。

He not only admitted his mistake but also immediately proposed a countermeasure.

Verb past form + だけでなく

このプロジェクトは、コストを削減するだけでなく、品質を向上させるのが目的だ。

The goal of this project is not only to cut costs but also to improve quality.

Formal business objective structure.

地球温暖化は、気温が上がるだけでなく、生態系にも大きな影響を与える。

Global warming not only raises temperatures but also has a major impact on ecosystems.

Connecting scientific cause and effect.

彼女の演技は、技術的に優れているだけでなく、観客の心を打つものがある。

Her acting is not only technically superior but also something that touches the audience's hearts.

Abstract quality connection.

この制度は、社員だけでなく、その家族にとってもメリットがある。

This system has benefits not only for employees but also for their families.

Beneficiary expansion with 'ni totte'.

政治家は、言葉だけでなく、行動で示すべきだ。

Politicians should show through actions, not only words.

Contrastive addition with 'beki' (should).

インターネットは便利なだけでなく、使い方を誤ると危険なこともある。

The internet is not only convenient; it can also be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Balancing positive and negative aspects.

伝統を守るということは、単に形を継承するだけでなく、その精神を現代に活かすことである。

Protecting tradition means not simply inheriting the form but also applying its spirit to the modern age.

Philosophical definition using だけでなく.

その作家の作品は、日本文学のみならず、世界文学の歴史においても重要な位置を占めている。

The works of that author occupy an important position not only in Japanese literature but also in the history of world literature.

Using 'nomi narazu' style logic with だけでなく.

少子高齢化は、労働力不足を招くだけでなく、社会保障制度の根幹を揺るがす深刻な問題だ。

The aging population with a low birthrate not only leads to a labor shortage but is a serious problem that shakes the very foundation of the social security system.

Complex socio-economic analysis.

彼は指揮者として優れているだけでなく、教育者としても多大な貢献をしている。

He is not only an excellent conductor but also makes a great contribution as an educator.

Role-based addition with 'toshite'.

今回の不祥事は、企業の信頼を失墜させただけでなく、業界全体のイメージを悪化させた。

This scandal not only caused the company to lose trust but also worsened the image of the entire industry.

Causal consequence expansion.

AIの進化は、生活を豊かにするだけでなく、倫理的な課題も我々に突きつけている。

The evolution of AI not only enriches our lives but also presents us with ethical challenges.

Contrasting benefits with challenges.

芸術は、単なる娯楽であるだけでなく、人間の深淵な孤独を癒やす力を持っている。

Art is not just mere entertainment; it has the power to heal the profound loneliness of human beings.

Existential function of a concept.

この研究は、理論的に興味深いだけでなく、実用化の可能性も非常に高い。

This research is not only theoretically interesting but also has a very high potential for practical application.

Academic evaluation.

言語の習得は、単なるコミュニケーション手段の獲得に留まらず、異文化の論理体系を内面化するプロセスであると言える。

Language acquisition is not merely the acquisition of a means of communication; it can be said to be a process of internalizing the logical systems of a different culture.

Using 'ni todomarazu' logic within a だけでなく structure.

グローバル化の進展は、経済的な相互依存を深めるだけでなく、文化的な均質化という副作用をも孕んでいる。

The progress of globalization not only deepens economic interdependence but also carries the side effect of cultural homogenization.

Nuanced critique of global trends.

その建築家は、機能美を追求するだけでなく、周囲の景観との調和を極限まで突き詰めている。

That architect not only pursues functional beauty but also pushes the harmony with the surrounding landscape to the extreme.

Artistic critique using high-level vocabulary.

歴史を学ぶ意義は、過去の出来事を知るだけでなく、それを鏡として現代を批判的に考察することにある。

The significance of studying history lies not only in knowing past events but also in critically examining the present using it as a mirror.

Metaphorical and philosophical reasoning.

この法案の可決は、法的な枠組みを更新するだけでなく、社会全体の価値観に変容を迫るものだ。

The passing of this bill not only updates the legal framework but also forces a transformation of the values of society as a whole.

Legal and social impact analysis.

科学の進歩は、未知の領域を解明するだけでなく、人類が直面する実存的な問いを再定義し続けている。

Scientific progress not only elucidates unknown areas but also continues to redefine the existential questions that humanity faces.

Epistemological discussion.

彼の沈黙は、単なる無言であるだけでなく、言葉に尽くせない深い哀悼の意を表していた。

His silence was not just a lack of words; it expressed a deep sense of mourning that words could not exhaust.

Interpreting non-verbal communication.

多文化共生社会の実現には、制度の整備だけでなく、個々の市民の意識変革が不可欠である。

To realize a multicultural society, not only the development of systems but also a change in the consciousness of individual citizens is indispensable.

Policy-level discourse.

Common Collocations

だけでなく～も

単に～だけでなく

日本だけでなく

自分だけでなく

言葉だけでなく

機能だけでなく

仕事だけでなく

現在だけでなく

理論だけでなく

国内だけでなく

Common Phrases

それだけでなく

— Not only that; furthermore.

彼は遅刻した。それだけでなく、宿題も忘れた。

見るだけでなく

— Not just watching; implies taking action.

見るだけでなく、実際にやってみよう。

聞くだけでなく

— Not just listening; implies understanding or speaking.

聞くだけでなく、自分の意見も言いなさい。

知っているだけでなく

— Not just knowing; implies applying knowledge.

知っているだけでなく、実行することが大切だ。

外見だけでなく

— Not just appearance; refers to inner character.

外見だけでなく、中身も見てほしい。

量だけでなく

— Not just quantity; refers to quality.

量だけでなく、質にもこだわっています。

一人だけでなく

— Not just one person; implies a group or everyone.

一人だけでなく、みんなで協力しよう。

今だけでなく

— Not just now; refers to the future or past.

今だけでなく、ずっと一緒にいたい。

言葉だけでなく

— Not just words; implies sincerity through action.

言葉だけでなく、心から感謝しています。

勉強だけでなく

— Not just studying; implies a balanced life.

勉強だけでなく、遊びも大切だよ。

Often Confused With

～だけでなく vs だけあって

Means 'as expected of'. Example: 'As expected of a pro, he is good.' (Pro dake atte jouzu da).

～だけでなく vs だけで

Means 'just by' or 'only with'. Example: 'Just by looking, I'm happy.' (Miru dake de shiawase).

～だけでなく vs だけに

Means 'precisely because'. Example: 'Precisely because I worked hard, I'm tired.' (Ganbatta dake ni tsukareta).

Idioms & Expressions

"花も実もある"

— To have both substance and style (not only flowers but also fruit).

彼のスピーチは花も実もあった。

Formal/Literary

"文武両道"

— Not only being good at academics but also sports.

彼は文武両道の生徒だ。

Neutral

"才色兼備"

— A woman who is not only talented but also beautiful.

彼女はまさに才色兼備だ。

Formal

"一石二鳥"

— Not only achieving one goal but two at once (killing two birds with one stone).

自転車通勤は節約になるし、健康にもいい。一石二鳥だ。

Neutral

"二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず"

— If you try to get not only A but also B, you might lose both.

欲張りすぎてはいけない。二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ずだ。

Proverb

"至れり尽くせり"

— Providing not only basic service but everything one could want.

あのホテルのサービスは至れり尽くせりだった。

Neutral

"一挙両得"

— Gaining not only one benefit but two from a single action.

この方法は一挙両得だ。

Idiomatic

"内剛外柔"

— Not only being soft on the outside but tough on the inside.

彼女は内剛外柔な人だ。

Formal

"清廉潔白"

— Not only being clean but also completely honest/upright.

彼は清廉潔白な政治家だ。

Formal

"海千山千"

— Not only having a little experience but being a sly old fox with vast experience.

彼は海千山千のビジネスマンだ。

Neutral

Easily Confused

～だけでなく vs ばかりか

Both mean 'not only...'

'Bakari ka' is more emphatic and often used for negative or surprising results.

彼は遅刻したばかりか、謝りもしなかった。

～だけでなく vs はもちろん

Both add information.

'Mochiron' implies the first thing is a given or obvious.

ひらがなはもちろん、漢字も読めます。

～だけでなく vs に限らず

Both extend the scope.

'Ni kagirazu' focuses on the entire category not being limited.

日曜に限らず、毎日忙しい。

～だけでなく vs のみならず

Identical meaning.

Purely a difference of register; 'nomi narazu' is formal/written.

環境のみならず、経済にも影響する。

～だけでなく vs その上

Both add information.

'Sono ue' starts a new sentence or clause; 'dake de naku' is a connector.

彼は頭がいい。その上、スポーツも万能だ。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] だけでなく、[Noun] も [Verb]

りんごだけでなく、バナナも食べます。

[i-Adj] だけでなく、[i-Adj] も [Verb]

安いくないだけでなく、遅いです。

[na-Adj] なだけでなく、[Adj/Noun] も [Verb]

きれいなだけでなく、静かです。

[Verb-Plain] だけでなく、[Verb-Plain] も [Verb]

読むだけでなく、書くこともします。

[Noun] だけでなく、[Clause] まで

雨だけでなく、風まで強くなりました。

単に [Noun/Verb] だけでなく、[Clause]

単に金儲けだけでなく、社会貢献も目的です。

[Noun/Verb] だけでなく、～という側面もある

便利なだけでなく、プライバシーの問題という側面もある。

[Noun/Verb] だけでなく、～に留まらず～

一国の問題だけでなく、地球規模の課題に留まらず～

Word Family

Nouns

だけ (dake - limit/only)

Verbs

ない (nai - to not exist/be)

ばかり (bakari)

のみ (nomi)

しか (shika)

ほど (hodo)

くらい (kurai)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Japanese.

Common Mistakes

親切だけでなく → 親切なだけでなく
Na-adjectives need 'na' before 'dake'.
りんごだけでなく、バナナは好きです。 → りんごだけでなく、バナナも好きです。
Use 'mo' instead of 'wa' for the 'also' nuance.
食べただけでなく、飲みました。 → 食べただけでなく、飲み物も飲みました。
The second clause usually needs a noun with 'mo' or a similar structure.
だけでなくて → だけでなく
'Dake de nakute' is sometimes used as a te-form, but 'dake de naku' is the standard conjunctive form.
のみならず (in casual talk) → だけでなく
'Nomi narazu' is too formal for chatting with friends.

Tips

The 'Na' Rule

Always remember the 'na' for na-adjectives. It's the most common test question for this grammar point!

The 'Mo' Partner

Always pair 'dake de naku' with 'mo' in the second part of the sentence for a natural flow.

Scale of Importance

Make your second point (B) more significant than your first point (A) to keep the listener engaged.

Business Usage

Use it in reports to show you've considered multiple factors, like cost AND quality.

Anticipate

When you hear 'dake de naku,' your brain should immediately prepare for an 'also' point.

Politeness

It's a great way to give a compliment without sounding too simple. 'You're not only good at Japanese, but your culture knowledge is amazing!'

Expand

Try using 'nomi narazu' in your writing to impress your teachers or colleagues.

No Limit

Think: 'Dake' (Limit) + 'Naku' (Not) = No limit to this information!

Neutrality

Remember this phrase is neutral. It works for both good things and bad things.

Daily Life

Try to use it once a day when talking about your hobbies or what you ate.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Dake' as a 'Duck' and 'Naku' as 'Knock'. A Duck is Not only Knocking on your door, but it's also bringing pizza! (Duck-e de Knock-u).

Visual Association

Imagine a box that is overflowing. Inside the box is 'A', but 'B' is spilling out of the sides. The 'Dake' (limit) is 'Naku' (not) there anymore.

Word Web

Addition Emphasis Complexity Not only But also Nomi narazu Bakari ka Mo

Challenge

Try to describe your best friend using 'dake de naku' three times in one minute. For example: 'He is not only tall, but also fast. He is not only kind, but also funny...'

Word Origin

The phrase is a combination of the particle 'dake' (丈), which historically referred to height or stature, and 'de naku', the negative form of the copula 'de aru'.

Original meaning: Originally, 'dake' meant a physical measurement of length or height. Over time, it evolved into a particle indicating a limit or extent.

Japanese (Japonic family).

Cultural Context

There are no major taboos with this phrase, but be careful not to use it to stack too many negative traits about a person, as it can sound like a harsh list of complaints.

English speakers often use 'not only... but also' for dramatic effect. In Japanese, it is used more frequently in everyday logic and is less 'dramatic' than its English counterpart.

Used frequently in Japanese commercials (CMs) to list product features. A common structure in the lyrics of J-Pop songs about complex feelings. Often found in the titles of self-help books like 'Not only work, but enjoy life!'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Self-Introduction

趣味は読書だけでなく、スポーツも好きです。
英語だけでなく、日本語も話せます。
料理だけでなく、掃除も得意です。
東京だけでなく、地方にも住んでみたいです。

Product Review

デザインだけでなく、使いやすさも抜群です。
安いだけでなく、品質も高いです。
軽いだけでなく、丈夫です。
バッテリーが長持ちするだけでなく、充電も速いです。

Health and Fitness

食べるだけでなく、動くことも大切です。
体だけでなく、心も健康になります。
朝だけでなく、夜もストレッチをしましょう。
野菜だけでなく、タンパク質も摂ってください。

Study and Work

知識だけでなく、経験も必要です。
自分だけでなく、チーム全体で考えましょう。
締め切りを守るだけでなく、質も高めてください。
理論だけでなく、実践的なスキルも学べます。

Travel

景色だけでなく、食べ物も楽しみです。
ホテルだけでなく、旅館にも泊まりたいです。
有名な場所だけでなく、穴場も行きたいです。
夏だけでなく、冬の北海道もいいですよ。

Conversation Starters

"日本のアニメは、子供だけでなく、大人にも人気がありますよね？"

"最近は、スマホで電話するだけでなく、何でもできるようになりましたね。"

"美味しいだけでなく、健康にもいい食べ物は何だと思いますか？"

"仕事だけでなく、プライベートも充実させるにはどうすればいいでしょうか？"

"日本語を話すだけでなく、書くことも練習していますか？"

Journal Prompts

今日、嬉しかったことは何ですか？（だけでなくを使って、二つのことを書きましょう）

自分の長所を教えてください。外見だけでなく、内面についても書いてください。

将来、どんな人になりたいですか？仕事だけでなく、趣味についても書いてください。

最近読んだ本や見た映画の感想を書いてください。ストーリーだけでなく、映像についても触れてください。

あなたの国のおすすめを教えてください。観光地だけでなく、文化についても書いてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is possible, but it usually sounds incomplete. 'Mo' helps the listener understand the relationship between the two parts. Without it, the sentence might feel like a simple list rather than an emphasized addition.

'Dake de naku' is neutral. 'Bakari ka' is stronger and often suggests that the second part is even more extreme or unexpected than the first. 'Bakari ka' is also more common in negative situations.

Yes! This is a very common mistake. Always say '[Na-adj] NA dake de naku.' For example: 'Kirei na dake de naku' (Not only beautiful).

Not usually. To start a sentence, use 'Sore dake de naku' (Not only that) or 'Sono ue' (Furthermore).

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable and very common in business emails to describe multiple benefits or points.

Yes. For example: 'Benkyou shinai dake de naku...' (Not only not studying...). It just adds one negative thing to another.

Just put the noun right before it. 'Sushi dake de naku...' (Not only sushi...).

The most formal version is 'nomi narazu.' You will see this in books and formal speeches.

Yes, you can say 'A dake de naku B kara...' (Not only because of A, but also B...).

There isn't a specific slang word, but in casual speech, people might shorten it or just use 'sore ni' or 'omake ni'.