Not Only... But Also (`不仅...而且`)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {不仅|bùjǐn} (not only) and {而且|érqiě} (but also) to connect two positive facts about the same subject.
- Place {不仅|bùjǐn} before the first trait: 他{不仅|bùjǐn}聪明。
- Place {而且|érqiě} before the second trait: {而且|érqiě}很努力。
- The subject usually comes before {不仅|bùjǐn} if it is the same for both.
Overview
Mastering correlative conjunctions significantly enhances your ability to express complex ideas in Chinese. The structure 不仅…而且… (bùjǐn…érqiě…), meaning “not only… but also,” is a fundamental pattern for learners at the A1 CEFR level. It allows you to combine two related facts or qualities, presenting the second as an additional, often more significant or surprising, piece of information.
This pattern is essential for creating more sophisticated and nuanced sentences than simple declarative statements.
Functionally, 不仅…而且… serves as an intensifying conjunction. It first establishes a known or expected attribute (不仅), then introduces a second attribute (而且) that amplifies, extends, or complements the first. This progression from one point to another adds rhetorical force, enabling you to convey multiple characteristics or actions performed by the same subject, or to highlight shared attributes across different subjects.
For instance, instead of stating 他很聪明 (Tā hěn cōngmíng, He is smart) and 他很努力 (Tā hěn nǔlì, He is hardworking) as two separate sentences, you can combine them: 他不仅很聪明，而且很努力 (Tā bùjǐn hěn cōngmíng, érqiě hěn nǔlì, He is not only smart, but also very hardworking). This structure is a cornerstone for articulate expression in Chinese.
How This Grammar Works
不仅…而且… involves connecting two clauses or predicates. The phrase 不仅 introduces the first piece of information, signifying that this is one of at least two facts to be presented. The phrase 而且 then precedes the second piece of information, indicating an addition or escalation.这个餐厅不仅菜好吃，而且服务也很好 (Zhège cāntīng bùjǐn cài hǎochī, érqiě fúwù yě hěn hǎo, This restaurant not only has delicious food, but also very good service). Here, the delicious food is the initial positive attribute. The phrase 而且服务也很好 adds another positive layer, suggesting that the restaurant is commendable on multiple fronts.也 (yě, also) often accompanies the second clause, especially when the second idea reinforces the first or is another instance of the same type of characteristic. This reinforces the progressive nature of the conjunction, emphasizing that the second statement holds true in addition to the first.而且 is frequently perceived as more noteworthy, or at least equally important, than the first. For example, in 学中文不仅很有趣，而且对你的职业发展也很有帮助 (Xué Zhōngwén bùjǐn hěn yǒuqù, érqiě duì nǐ de zhíyè fāzhǎn yě hěn yǒubāngzhù, Learning Chinese is not only interesting, but also very helpful for your career development), the career benefit might be considered a more significant or practical advantage to some learners than mere enjoyment.Formation Pattern
不仅…而且… structure primarily manifests in two distinct patterns, determined by whether the two clauses share the same subject or have different subjects. Understanding this distinction is critical for correct application at the A1 level. Misplacing the subject is a common error, so pay close attention to the position of the subject relative to 不仅.
不仅. This is the most common and straightforward usage. The subject acts as the singular agent for both pieces of information.
Subject + 不仅 + Predicate/Clause 1, 而且 + Predicate/Clause 2.
她 (Tā, She) |
不仅 (bùjǐn) |
会说英语 (huì shuō Yīngyǔ, can speak English) |
而且. | , |
而且 (érqiě) |
还会说法语 (hái huì shuō Fǎyǔ, can also speak French) |
她不仅会说英语，而且还会说法语。 (Tā bùjǐn huì shuō Yīngyǔ, érqiě hái huì shuō Fǎyǔ. She not only can speak English, but also can speak French.)
我不仅喜欢唱歌，而且还喜欢跳舞。 (Wǒ bùjǐn xǐhuān chànggē, érqiě hái xǐhuān tiàowǔ. I not only like to sing, but also like to dance.)
不仅 often appears at the very beginning of the sentence. This structure emphasizes that the scope of the statement extends beyond just one entity.
不仅 + Subject 1 + Predicate/Clause 1, 而且 + Subject 2 + (也/还) + Predicate/Clause 2.
不仅 (bùjǐn) |
他 (Tā, He) |
喜欢看书 (xǐhuān kànshū, likes to read books) |
而且. | , |
而且 (érqiě) |
我 (Wǒ, I) |
也 (yě, also) or 还 (hái, still/also) often reinforce the connection. | 也 (yě) |
喜欢看书 (xǐhuān kànshū, likes to read books) |
不仅他喜欢看书，而且我也喜欢看书。 (Bùjǐn tā xǐhuān kànshū, érqiě wǒ yě xǐhuān kànshū. Not only does he like to read books, but I also like to read books.)
不仅中文很有用，而且法文也很有用。 (Bùjǐn Zhōngwén hěn yǒuyòng, érqiě Fǎwén yě hěn yǒuyòng. Not only is Chinese useful, but French is also useful.)
也 or 还 is flexible but usually comes after the second subject and before the predicate. These adverbs serve to explicitly link the second clause to the first, emphasizing the shared characteristic or parallel situation. While 也 is generally neutral, 还 can sometimes imply an additional layer or an unexpected continuation.
When To Use It
不仅…而且… structure when you intend to present information in a cumulative or emphatic manner. It is not merely about listing two facts, but about highlighting that one fact is true, and in addition or even more so, another related fact is also true. This makes your communication more dynamic and impactful.这个手机不仅功能强大，而且价格也很合理。 (Zhège shǒujī bùjǐn gōngnéng qiángdà, érqiě jiàgé yě hěn hélǐ. This phone is not only powerful in features, but also very reasonably priced.) Here, the reasonable price adds a significant selling point beyond just powerful features, making the description more compelling.不仅…而且… can be used to underscore multiple negative aspects, amplifying a complaint or a problem. For instance, when discussing an unfavorable situation: 这家咖啡馆不仅咖啡不好喝，而且环境也很吵。 (Zhè jiā kāfēiguǎn bùjǐn kāfēi bù hǎohē, érqie huánjìng yě hěn chǎo. This coffee shop not only has bad coffee, but also a very noisy environment.) This sentence effectively communicates a dual dissatisfaction, providing a stronger critique than two separate statements.不仅…而且… is frequently used to add depth to quick observations. For instance, a post might read: 今天的天气不仅很热，而且湿度也很大。 (Jīntiān de tiānqì bùjǐn hěn rè, érqiě shīdù yě hěn dà. Today's weather is not only very hot, but also very humid.) This concise structure provides a more complete picture of the weather condition.Common Mistakes
不仅…而且…. Awareness of these common errors and their underlying reasons can significantly improve your accuracy and fluency.而且: One of the most frequent mistakes is using 不仅 but forgetting to follow it with 而且. Since 不仅…而且… is a correlative conjunction, both parts are essential for the structure to be grammatically complete and convey the intended meaning ofFormation Pattern
| Part | Chinese | Function |
|---|---|---|
|
Subject
|
他/她/它
|
The person/thing
|
|
Conjunction 1
|
不仅
|
Not only
|
|
Trait 1
|
聪明
|
Smart
|
|
Conjunction 2
|
而且
|
But also
|
|
Trait 2
|
努力
|
Hardworking
|
Meanings
This structure is used to indicate that something has more than one positive quality or action.
Additive quality
Adding a second positive attribute to a subject.
“他{不仅|bùjǐn}高，{而且|érqiě}帅。”
“这件衣服{不仅|bùjǐn}便宜，{而且|érqiě}好看。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 不仅 + A + 而且 + B
|
他不仅聪明，而且努力。
|
|
Verb focus
|
Subj + 不仅 + V1 + 而且 + V2
|
他不仅会唱，而且会跳。
|
|
Two subjects
|
不仅 + Subj1 + 而且 + Subj2
|
不仅我喜欢，而且他也喜欢。
|
Formality Spectrum
他不仅才华横溢，而且勤奋刻苦。 (Describing a colleague)
他不仅聪明，而且很努力。 (Describing a colleague)
他不仅聪明，而且很用功。 (Describing a colleague)
他不仅牛，而且超拼。 (Describing a colleague)
The 'Not Only, But Also' Bridge
Adjectives
- 高 tall
- 帅 handsome
Verbs
- 看 read
- 写 write
Examples by Level
他{不仅|bùjǐn}聪明，{而且|érqiě}很努力。
He is not only smart, but also hardworking.
这杯咖啡{不仅|bùjǐn}热，{而且|érqiě}很香。
This coffee is not only hot, but also fragrant.
我{不仅|bùjǐn}喜欢书，{而且|érqiě}喜欢电影。
I not only like books, but also movies.
她{不仅|bùjǐn}漂亮，{而且|érqiě}很善良。
She is not only pretty, but also kind.
他{不仅|bùjǐn}会说中文，{而且|érqiě}会说日语。
He not only speaks Chinese, but also Japanese.
这个城市{不仅|bùjǐn}很大，{而且|érqiě}很漂亮。
This city is not only big, but also beautiful.
我们{不仅|bùjǐn}要学习，{而且|érqiě}要运动。
We not only need to study, but also exercise.
这辆车{不仅|bùjǐn}快，{而且|érqiě}很省油。
This car is not only fast, but also fuel-efficient.
他{不仅|bùjǐn}完成了任务，{而且|érqiě}提前交了报告。
He not only finished the task, but also submitted the report early.
这个政策{不仅|bùjǐn}利于经济，{而且|érqiě}保护了环境。
This policy not only benefits the economy, but also protects the environment.
她{不仅|bùjǐn}有天赋，{而且|érqiě}非常刻苦。
She not only has talent, but is also very diligent.
这不仅是一个挑战，而且是一个机会。
This is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity.
该项目{不仅|bùjǐn}需要资金，{而且|érqiě}需要技术支持。
The project not only requires funding, but also technical support.
他{不仅|bùjǐn}在学术上有所建树，{而且|érqiě}在艺术领域也颇有造诣。
He has not only achieved success in academia, but also in the arts.
这种方法{不仅|bùjǐn}简单易行，{而且|érqiě}效果显著。
This method is not only simple and easy, but also highly effective.
我们{不仅|bùjǐn}要看到困难，{而且|érqiě}要看到希望。
We must not only see the difficulties, but also the hope.
该方案{不仅|bùjǐn}旨在优化流程，{而且|érqiě}致力于提升用户体验。
The plan not only aims to optimize processes, but is also committed to improving user experience.
他{不仅|bùjǐn}精通多国语言，{而且|érqiě}对各国文化有深刻的洞察。
He is not only fluent in multiple languages, but also has profound insights into various cultures.
这{不仅|bùjǐn}是技术的革新，{而且|érqiě}是思维方式的转变。
This is not only a technological innovation, but also a shift in mindset.
不仅要追求速度，而且要保证质量。
One must not only pursue speed, but also ensure quality.
此举{不仅|bùjǐn}彰显了其政治智慧，{而且|érqiě}体现了其深厚的人文关怀。
This move not only demonstrates his political wisdom, but also reflects his profound humanistic concern.
不仅要审视过去，而且要展望未来。
One must not only examine the past, but also look to the future.
这{不仅|bùjǐn}是历史的必然，{而且|érqiě}是时代的呼唤。
This is not only the necessity of history, but also the call of the era.
不仅要知其然，而且要知其所以然。
One must not only know the 'what', but also the 'why'.
Easily Confused
Both connect two clauses, but one adds information while the other contrasts it.
They are almost identical and often interchangeable.
Both mean 'and also'.
Common Mistakes
不仅他聪明，而且他努力。
他不仅聪明，而且努力。
他不仅聪明，他而且努力。
他不仅聪明，而且努力。
不仅聪明，而且努力。
他不仅聪明，而且努力。
他不仅聪明，而且他努力。
他不仅聪明，而且努力。
不仅聪明，而且他很努力。
他不仅聪明，而且很努力。
他聪明，而且不仅努力。
他不仅聪明，而且努力。
他不仅聪明，而且是努力。
他不仅聪明，而且努力。
不仅他会说中文，而且他会写。
他不仅会说中文，而且会写。
不仅是聪明，而且是努力。
不仅聪明，而且努力。
他不仅聪明，而且也努力。
他不仅聪明，而且努力。
不仅要学习，而且要也要工作。
不仅要学习，而且要工作。
他不仅聪明，而且他也是努力的。
他不仅聪明，而且努力。
不仅聪明，而且他很努力。
他不仅聪明，而且很努力。
Sentence Patterns
他不仅___，而且___。
这不仅是___，而且是___。
我不仅会___，而且会___。
不仅___，而且___，这让大家很开心。
Real World Usage
我不仅有经验，而且学习能力很强。
这不仅好吃，而且拍照很好看！
不仅累，而且饿。
不仅送得快，而且味道好。
这个地方不仅风景美，而且人很热情。
该研究不仅有理论价值，而且有实践意义。
Subject Placement
Don't Overuse
Use '还' for variety
Formal vs Informal
Smart Tips
Use '不仅...而且' to list two positive traits to sound more descriptive.
Use this structure to list the benefits of your project.
Use it to connect two complex ideas.
Use '不仅...还' for a more casual tone.
Pronunciation
Tone of 不仅
不 is 4th tone, but becomes 2nd tone before 4th tone words. However, in '不仅', it is often pronounced as 4th tone.
Rising-Falling
他不仅聪明↑，而且很努力↓。
The rising tone on the first part shows there is more to come.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '不仅' as 'Not-Just' and '而且' as 'And-Also'.
Visual Association
Imagine a person holding two balloons. One balloon says 'Not-Just' and the other says 'And-Also'. They are tied together to the same person.
Rhyme
不仅聪明又努力，而且做事有条理。
Story
Xiao Ming is a super student. He is not only smart (不仅聪明), but also very kind (而且善良). Everyone loves him because he is not only helpful (不仅乐于助人), but also funny (而且幽默).
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your best friend using this structure.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in formal education to teach logical writing.
Very common in daily speech, often used with '還' (hái).
Often mixed with Cantonese particles, but the structure remains the same.
Derived from classical Chinese additive structures.
Conversation Starters
你觉得你的城市怎么样？
你为什么想学中文？
你理想的工作是什么样的？
你如何看待人工智能的发展？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
他___聪明，___很努力。
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
不仅他聪明，而且他很努力。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
She is not only pretty, but also kind.
Answer starts with: 她不仅...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
我 / 喜欢 / 唱歌 / 跳舞 / 不仅 / 而且
This movie is ___ funny, ___ touching.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises他___聪明，___很努力。
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
不仅他聪明，而且他很努力。
聪明 / 他 / 而且 / 不仅 / 努力
She is not only pretty, but also kind.
Match: 他不仅... / 而且...
我 / 喜欢 / 唱歌 / 跳舞 / 不仅 / 而且
This movie is ___ funny, ___ touching.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises不仅 / 他 / 聪明 / 而且 / 努力
Not only me, but also her.
Match the following:
北京不仅大，___ 很漂亮。
Choose the best natural sentence:
不仅苹果很甜，而且苹果很红。
便宜 / 而且 / 不仅 / 好吃 / 这个菜
Which one compares two people?
He is not only a teacher, but also a student.
不仅老师去了，校长 ___ 去了。
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, '而且' can be used alone to mean 'and also', but '不仅...而且' is a stronger pair.
No, it can be used for anything, like food, cities, or ideas.
They are almost the same. '不但' is slightly more formal.
It is usually for positive things. For negative things, we use other structures.
Because in Chinese, the subject usually leads the sentence structure.
It is redundant. '而且' already means 'also'.
Yes, it is very common in essays and reports.
Try using it to connect two verbs or two adjectives in your daily speech.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Not only... but also
Chinese requires the subject to be placed before the first conjunction.
No solo... sino también
Spanish uses 'sino' to emphasize the 'but also' part.
Nicht nur... sondern auch
German word order is more flexible but requires specific verb placement.
～だけでなく、～も
Japanese places the conjunction at the end of the first clause.
ليس فقط... بل أيضاً
Arabic structure is more formal and often used in written text.
不仅...而且
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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