Chinese 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 link two related positive facts about a subject.
- Place {不仅|bùjǐn} before the first verb or adjective.
- Place {而且|érqiě} before the second verb or adjective.
- The subject usually comes before {不仅|bùjǐn} if it is the same for both clauses.
Overview
Correlative conjunctions are fundamental to constructing complex, nuanced sentences in Chinese, allowing you to express interconnected ideas with precision. The pattern 不仅...而且... (bùjǐn...érqiě...) functions as the Chinese equivalent of "not only... but also..." It serves to link two related statements, actions, or qualities, where the second element often amplifies, adds to, or provides further emphasis on the first.
Unlike simple conjunctions such as 和 (hé, and), 不仅...而且... highlights an additive relationship, suggesting that the second piece of information is a significant or even surprising continuation of the first. Mastery of this structure enables you to move beyond basic declarative sentences and articulate more sophisticated relationships between facts, enhancing both the clarity and impact of your communication.
How This Grammar Works
不仅...而且... signifies an additive progression. 不仅 (bùjǐn) means "not only" or "not just," setting up the initial statement. This is then followed by 而且 (érqiě), meaning "but also" or "moreover," which introduces the subsequent, often more substantial, piece of information.他不仅聪明，而且很努力。 (Tā bùjǐn cōngmíng, érqiě hěn nǔlì.) – "He is not only smart, but also very diligent." Here, diligence adds another positive layer to his intelligence, making the statement more comprehensive.而且 is the standard partner for 不仅, in informal contexts or when the second clause simply adds another related point without strong escalation, you might encounter 还 (hái, also/still) or 也 (yě, too/also) replacing 而且. These substitutes convey a slightly softer emphasis on the second clause, merely listing an additional characteristic rather than implying a significant progression. For beginners at A1 level, consistently using the full 不仅...而且... structure is recommended for clarity and correct habit formation.Formation Pattern
不仅...而且... depends critically on whether the two clauses share the same subject or have different subjects. Understanding this distinction is vital for correct application.
Subject + 不仅 + Clause A, 而且 + Clause B | 她不仅会说中文，而且还会写汉字。 | Tā bùjǐn huì shuō Zhōngwén, érqiě hái huì xiě Hànzì. | She not only can speak Chinese, but also can write Chinese characters. |
这个手机不仅便宜，而且性能也很好。 | Zhège shǒujī bùjǐn piányi, érqiě xìngnéng yě hěn hǎo. | This phone is not only cheap, but its performance is also very good. |
不仅 + Subject 1 + Clause A, 而且 + Subject 2 + 也/还 + Clause B | 不仅我喜欢咖啡，而且我妈妈也喜欢。 | Bùjǐn wǒ xǐhuān kāfēi, érqiě wǒ māma yě xǐhuān. | Not only do I like coffee, but my mom also likes it. |
不仅北京有很多高楼，而且上海也有很多。 | Bùjǐn Běijīng yǒu hěn duō gāolóu, érqiě Shànghǎi yě yǒu hěn duō. | Not only does Beijing have many tall buildings, but Shanghai also has many. |
不仅. This establishes who or what is being discussed, and then both facts are attributed to that single subject. The structure flows naturally from the subject to its various attributes or actions. For example, 他不仅学习好，而且很热爱运动。 (Tā bùjǐn xuéxí hǎo, érqiě hěn rè'ài yùndòng.) – "He not only studies well, but also loves sports." Here, 他 (he) is the subject for both "studies well" and "loves sports."
不仅 initiates the sentence, preceding the first subject. The second clause then introduces its own subject, usually followed by 也 or 还 before its predicate. The presence of 也 or 还 in the second clause is crucial to signify that the action or state applies "also" to the second subject, reinforcing the correlative nature of the conjunction. For instance, 不仅老师来了，而且学生们也来了。 (Bùjǐn lǎoshī lái le, érqiě xuéshēngmen yě lái le.) – "Not only did the teacher come, but the students also came." Here, 老师 (teacher) and 学生们 (students) are distinct subjects.
When To Use It
不仅...而且... whenever you wish to present two interconnected pieces of information, with the second statement adding significant weight or detail to the first. This pattern is particularly useful for:- Highlighting Multiple Positive Attributes: When describing a person, object, or experience, this structure allows you to list advantages or good qualities cumulatively. For example,
这本书不仅内容有趣，而且语言也很优美。(Zhè běn shū bùjǐn nèiróng yǒuqù, érqiě yǔyán yě hěn yōuměi.) – "This book is not only interesting in content, but its language is also beautiful." This elevates the description beyond a simple list.
- Emphasizing Cumulative Negative Aspects: Conversely, it can be used to compound negative characteristics or problems, strengthening a complaint or critique. For instance,
这家餐馆不仅上菜慢，而且味道也不好。(Zhè jiā cānguǎn bùjǐn shàng cài màn, érqiě wèidào yě bù hǎo.) – "This restaurant not only serves dishes slowly, but the taste isn't good either." This adds force to the dissatisfaction.
- Expressing Multiple Abilities or Skills: When discussing capabilities, whether personal or institutional,
不仅...而且...effectively showcases a range of proficiencies.我们公司不仅提供软件服务，而且还提供硬件支持。(Wǒmen gōngsī bùjǐn tígōng ruǎnjiàn fúwù, érqiě hái tígōng yìngjiàn zhīchí.) – "Our company not only provides software services, but also provides hardware support." This demonstrates comprehensive offerings.
- Strengthening an Argument or Point: In persuasive contexts, this pattern can build a stronger case by presenting multiple supporting facts.
学习中文不仅能帮助你理解中国文化，而且还能为你的职业发展打开新机会。(Xuéxí Zhōngwén bùjǐn néng bāngzhù nǐ lǐjiě Zhōngguó wénhuà, érqiě hái néng wèi nǐ de zhíyè fāzhǎn dǎkāi xīn jīhuì.) – "Learning Chinese can not only help you understand Chinese culture, but also open up new opportunities for your career development." Each point reinforces the value of learning Chinese.
Common Mistakes
不仅...而且... often involves navigating specific pitfalls. Awareness of these common errors will significantly improve your accuracy.- Incorrect Subject Placement: This is perhaps the most frequent mistake. Remember the rule: if the subjects are the same, the subject comes before
不仅; if subjects are different,不仅starts the sentence. - Incorrect:
不仅他学习好，而且他很热爱运动。(Implies two different people, but it's the same 'he') - Correct:
他不仅学习好，而且很热爱运动。(Tā bùjǐn xuéxí hǎo, érqiě hěn rè'ài yùndòng.) – "He not only studies well, but also loves sports." - Incorrect:
我不仅喜欢咖啡，而且我妈妈也喜欢。(Subject我is before不仅but the second subject is我妈妈) - Correct:
不仅我喜欢咖啡，而且我妈妈也喜欢。(Bùjǐn wǒ xǐhuān kāfēi, érqiě wǒ māma yě xǐhuān.) – "Not only do I like coffee, but my mom also likes it."
- Omission or Misplacement of
也/还in Different Subject Pattern: When dealing with different subjects, the second clause almost always requires也or还immediately after the second subject. Failing to include it makes the sentence sound unnatural or incomplete. - Incorrect:
不仅老师来了，而且学生们来了。 - Correct:
不仅老师来了，而且学生们也来了。(Bùjǐn lǎoshī lái le, érqiě xuéshēngmen yě lái le.) – "Not only did the teacher come, but the students also came."
- Logical Disconnect Between Clauses: The two clauses linked by
不仅...而且...must have a sensible and related connection. While the second clause adds to the first, they should logically belong together, often sharing a similar positive or negative tone. Linking unrelated ideas breaks the correlative function. - Incorrect:
他不仅喜欢吃苹果，而且明天是星期五。(The two ideas are entirely unrelated.) - Correct:
他不仅喜欢吃苹果，而且每天都吃一个。(Tā bùjǐn xǐhuān chī píngguǒ, érqiě měitiān dōu chī yīgè.) – "He not only likes to eat apples, but also eats one every day."
- Overuse and Redundancy: While powerful,
不仅...而且...is an emphatic structure. Using it for simple conjunctions or lists where和or simply two separate sentences would suffice can make your speech sound overly formal or repetitive. Reserve it for situations where you genuinely want to highlight the additive and progressive nature of the information.
Real Conversations
Observing how native speakers use 不仅...而且... in authentic contexts reveals its versatility and natural flow in Chinese communication. This pattern is integral to modern discourse, appearing in various registers.
- Casual Conversation: In daily chat, it's used to add enthusiasm or emphasis to shared experiences.
- Example: 这家咖啡店不仅环境好，而且咖啡也特别香！ (Zhè jiā kāfēi diàn bùjǐn huánjìng hǎo, érqiě kāfēi yě tèbié xiāng!) – "This coffee shop not only has a good ambiance, but the coffee is also exceptionally fragrant!"
- Notice the 也 reinforcing the second point, even with the same subject (咖啡店).
- Social Media: On platforms like WeChat Moments or Weibo, it's common for describing events, products, or travel experiences concisely and impactfully.
- Example: 这次旅行不仅让我放松，而且还学到了很多新知识。 (Zhè cì lǚxíng bùjǐn ràng wǒ fàngsōng, érqiě hái xué dào le hěn duō xīn zhīshì.) – "This trip not only allowed me to relax, but also taught me a lot of new knowledge."
- Here, 还 is used, slightly softer than 而且, indicating an additional benefit.
- Professional and Academic Contexts: In more formal settings, it lends gravitas to arguments, project descriptions, or qualification statements.
- Example: 该研究不仅填补了理论空白，而且对实践应用也具有指导意义。 (Gāi yánjiū bùjǐn tiánbǔ le lǐlùn kòngbái, érqiě duì shíjiàn yìngyòng yě jùyǒu zhǐdǎo yìyì.) – "This research not only fills a theoretical gap, but also has guiding significance for practical application."
- This demonstrates its utility in constructing sophisticated, analytical statements.
- Texting/Messaging: Even in short-form communication, the structure helps convey more information efficiently.
- Example: 他不仅会编程，而且英文也很好。 (Tā bùjǐn huì biānchéng, érqiě Yīngwén yě hěn hǎo.) – "He not only can code, but his English is also very good."
These examples show how 不仅...而且... naturally integrates into various forms of communication, serving to enrich the information conveyed.
Quick FAQ
- What is the difference between
不仅...而且...and不但...而且...? - Both structures convey "not only... but also..." and are often interchangeable in meaning, especially at the A1/A2 level. However, there's a subtle stylistic difference:
不但(bùdàn) often emphasizes that the first condition is not the limit of what is true, implying a continuation.不仅(bùjǐn), on the other hand, often implies that the first point is not the sole truth, with the second point adding further, perhaps more significant, information. Generally,不但is considered slightly more formal or suitable for written Chinese, while不仅is very common in spoken Chinese and modern online communication. For A1 learners, focusing on mastering one (e.g.,不仅...而且...) is advisable, as they are functionally very similar.
- Can
不仅...而且...be used with negative statements? - Absolutely. It works just as effectively for negative constructions, compounding criticisms or undesirable situations. For example,
她不仅不喜欢吃蔬菜，而且也不喜欢吃水果。(Tā bùjǐn bù xǐhuān chī shūcài, érqie yě bù xǐhuān chī shuǐguǒ.) – "She not only dislikes eating vegetables, but also dislikes eating fruit."
- Is
而且always mandatory? Can I use还or也instead? - While
而且is the standard and most complete form,还(hái) or也(yě) can indeed replace it in many contexts, particularly in informal spoken Chinese. When还or也are used, the emphasis on the second clause might be slightly less pronounced, functioning more as a simple addition rather than a strong progression. For clarity and formal correctness, especially when starting out, stick to而且.
- Can it link verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses?
- Yes,
不仅...而且...is highly versatile. It can link two verbs (他不仅会唱歌，而且会跳舞。– "He not only can sing, but also can dance."), two adjectives (这个城市不仅大，而且很漂亮。– "This city is not only big, but also very beautiful."), or two complete clauses, as demonstrated in the formation patterns.
- What punctuation should I use?
- A comma (，) is typically placed after the first clause (before
而且) to indicate a natural pause and separate the two parts of the correlative structure.
- Is
不仅...而且...suitable for formal writing or presentations? - Yes, it is perfectly suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its structured nature allows for clear and emphatic expression, making it valuable in professional reports, academic essays, and speeches, as well as everyday conversations.
- Does this pattern have any historical or classical roots?
- The use of correlative conjunctions to link and amplify ideas is a consistent feature across different stages of the Chinese language. While the specific lexical choices might evolve, the underlying grammatical function of parallel structures for emphasis and addition has deep roots in classical Chinese rhetoric and syntax. This pattern thus reflects a fundamental aspect of Chinese linguistic expression, contributing to its elegance and logical flow.
Structure Overview
| Part | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Subject
|
The person/thing
|
他 (He)
|
|
不仅
|
Not only
|
不仅
|
|
Clause 1
|
First trait
|
高 (tall)
|
|
而且
|
But also
|
而且
|
|
Clause 2
|
Second trait
|
帅 (handsome)
|
Common Variations
| Structure | Nuance |
|---|---|
|
不仅...还
|
Slightly more casual
|
|
不仅...也
|
Very common in speech
|
|
不仅...更
|
Emphasizes the second point is even more important
|
Meanings
This structure is used to indicate a progressive relationship, where the second clause adds more information or intensity to the first.
Additive
Adding a second quality or action to the first.
“这件衣服{不仅|bùjǐn}好看，{而且|érqiě}很便宜。”
“她{不仅|bùjǐn}聪明，{而且|érqiě}很努力。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 不仅 + A + 而且 + B
|
他不仅聪明，而且努力。
|
|
Same Subject
|
Subj + 不仅 + Verb1 + 而且 + Verb2
|
他不仅唱歌，而且跳舞。
|
|
Different Subject
|
Subj1 + 不仅 + A + 而且 + Subj2 + B
|
我不仅喜欢他，而且他也喜欢我。
|
|
With Adverbs
|
Subj + 不仅 + Adv + A + 而且 + Adv + B
|
他不仅非常高，而且非常帅。
|
Formality Spectrum
他不仅聪明，而且勤奋。 (Describing a colleague)
他不仅聪明，而且努力。 (Describing a colleague)
他不仅聪明，还很努力。 (Describing a colleague)
他不仅聪明，还超努力的。 (Describing a colleague)
The 'Plus' Concept
Trait 1
- 聪明 smart
Trait 2
- 努力 hardworking
Examples by Level
他{不仅|bùjǐn}高，{而且|érqiě}帅。
He is not only tall, but also handsome.
这杯咖啡{不仅|bùjǐn}热，{而且|érqiě}好喝。
This coffee is not only hot, but also delicious.
我{不仅|bùjǐn}喜欢猫，{而且|érqiě}喜欢狗。
I not only like cats, but also dogs.
书{不仅|bùjǐn}多，{而且|érqiě}很有趣。
The books are not only many, but also interesting.
她{不仅|bùjǐn}会说中文，{而且|érqiě}会说法语。
She not only speaks Chinese, but also French.
这个手机{不仅|bùjǐn}贵，{而且|érqiě}很难用。
This phone is not only expensive, but also hard to use.
他{不仅|bùjǐn}每天运动，{而且|érqiě}吃得很健康。
He not only exercises every day, but also eats healthily.
老师{不仅|bùjǐn}教我们语法，{而且|érqiě}教我们文化。
The teacher not only teaches us grammar, but also culture.
这套房子{不仅|bùjǐn}地理位置好，{而且|érqiě}价格合理。
This house not only has a good location, but also a reasonable price.
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.
这部电影{不仅|bùjǐn}情节精彩，{而且|érqiě}演员演技精湛。
This movie not only has a great plot, but also excellent acting.
学习语言{不仅|bùjǐn}需要时间，{而且|érqiě}需要练习。
Learning a language not only requires time, but also practice.
这项技术{不仅|bùjǐn}提高了效率，{而且|érqiě}降低了成本。
This technology not only improved efficiency, but also reduced costs.
他{不仅|bùjǐn}没有生气，{而且|érqiě}还帮了我们。
He not only didn't get angry, but also helped us.
这种药{不仅|bùjǐn}副作用小，{而且|érqiě}效果显著。
This medicine not only has few side effects, but also significant results.
我们{不仅|bùjǐn}要保护环境，{而且|érqiě}要教育下一代。
We must not only protect the environment, but also educate the next generation.
该政策{不仅|bùjǐn}旨在促进经济增长，{而且|érqiě}致力于社会公平。
The policy aims not only to promote economic growth, but also to commit to social equity.
他{不仅|bùjǐn}精通多国语言，{而且|érqiě}对历史有深刻见解。
He is not only fluent in many languages, but also has profound insights into history.
这不仅是科学的进步，而且是人类文明的飞跃。
This is not only a scientific advancement, but also a leap for human civilization.
不仅要考虑短期利益，而且要关注长期发展。
One must not only consider short-term benefits, but also focus on long-term development.
不仅于此，他还展现了惊人的领导力。
Not only that, he also demonstrated amazing leadership.
这种现象不仅普遍，而且具有深远的社会影响。
This phenomenon is not only common, but also has profound social implications.
不仅是物质上的匮乏，更是精神上的空虚。
It is not only a material lack, but also a spiritual emptiness.
不仅要做到言行一致，而且要做到知行合一。
One must not only be consistent in words and deeds, but also achieve unity of knowledge and action.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up addition (不仅) and contrast (虽然).
They are almost identical.
Learners think '还' is wrong.
Common Mistakes
他不仅高。
他不仅高，而且帅。
他而且高，不仅帅。
他不仅高，而且帅。
不仅他高，而且他帅。
他不仅高，而且帅。
他不仅高，但是帅。
他不仅高，而且帅。
不仅他，而且我喜欢。
不仅他喜欢，而且我也喜欢。
他不仅是高，而且是帅。
他不仅高，而且帅。
他不仅高，而且他很帅。
他不仅高，而且帅。
不仅他去，而且我也去。
不仅他去，而且我也去。
不仅...但是...
不仅...而且...
他不仅高而且帅。
他不仅高，而且帅。
不仅于此，而且...
不仅如此，而且...
不仅...反而...
不仅...而且...
不仅...更...
不仅...而且...
不仅...甚至...
不仅...而且...
Sentence Patterns
他不仅___，而且___。
这不仅是___，而且是___。
不仅___，而且___。
不仅要___，而且要___。
Real World Usage
这手机不仅漂亮，而且好用！
我不仅到了，而且还买了咖啡。
我不仅有经验，而且学习能力强。
这个套餐不仅便宜，而且分量大。
这个酒店不仅位置好，而且服务棒。
该研究不仅具有理论意义，而且具有实践价值。
Comma usage
Don't forget the pair
Variations
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use it to list two positive traits to make your compliment sound more thoughtful.
Use it to highlight two benefits of a product or place.
Use it to connect two related findings.
Use it to add layers to your narrative.
Pronunciation
Tone of 不
In {不仅|bùjǐn}, {不|bù} is 4th tone.
Rising-Falling
不仅(↗) ... 而且(↘)
Emphasis on the addition.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '不仅' as a 'Not-Only' hook and '而且' as an 'Also' anchor.
Visual Association
Imagine a person holding two balloons. The left balloon says 'Not Only' and the right balloon says 'But Also'.
Rhyme
不仅不仅，不只而已，加上一点，意思更美。
Story
Xiao Wang is a superstar. He is not only a great singer, but also a great dancer. His fans love him because he is not only talented, but also kind.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your best friend using this structure in the next 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
Widely used in school essays to show logical progression.
Often used in casual speech with '還' instead of '而且'.
Used in professional settings to show competence.
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，___努力。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他不仅高。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
She is not only smart, but also kind.
Answer starts with: a...
A: 这家店怎么样？ B: ___
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use: 不仅, 而且, 学习, 运动
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises他___聪明，___努力。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他不仅高。
不仅 / 他 / 而且 / 帅 / 高
She is not only smart, but also kind.
A: 这家店怎么样？ B: ___
不仅...?
Use: 不仅, 而且, 学习, 运动
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises这件衣服不仅漂亮，___ 很便宜。
他 / 而且 / 不仅 / 老师 / 是 / 是 / 医生
Translate the sentence into Chinese.
Which one uses '还' correctly?
Match Part A with Part B.
Correct the conjunction.
这只猫不仅会开门，___ 会弹钢琴。
很冷 / 而且 / 今天 / 不仅 / 很大 / 风
Which sentence sounds most professional?
不仅他去了，___ 我也去了。
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, it's a correlative conjunction. You need both parts.
It's neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Yes, but usually it's for additive negative points, like 'It is not only expensive, but also bad'.
'而且' is more formal/standard, '还' is more casual.
Usually the subject comes first. '他不仅...' is standard.
Yes, '他不仅唱歌，而且跳舞'.
No, use '虽然...但是' for contrast.
Yes, very common.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
not only... but also
English is more flexible with word order.
no solo... sino también
Spanish uses 'sino' for contrastive addition.
nicht nur... sondern auch
German verb placement changes.
だけでなく...も
Chinese uses conjunctions at the start of the clause.
ليس فقط... بل أيضاً
Arabic uses 'bal' (but) as the connector.
不但...且
Classical is more concise.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
Not Only... But Also (`不仅...而且`)
Overview Mastering correlative conjunctions significantly enhances your ability to express complex ideas in Chinese. The...
Formal Logic: Both, Not Only, and Unexpected Twists (既...又, 不但...而且, 非但...反而)
Overview At the C1 level of Chinese, moving beyond simple statements to construct complex, logical arguments is paramou...
Related Grammar Rules
Advanced Causality: So... That (以致, 致使, 从而)
Overview Mastering advanced causal connectors is a hallmark of the C2 level, allowing you to articulate complex cause-a...
Doing two things at once (一边...一边)
Overview In Chinese, expressing two actions occurring simultaneously is a fundamental aspect of clear communication. The...
Using `虽然...但是` (suīrán...dànshì) to Say "Although... But..."
Overview The Chinese conjunction pair `虽然...但是` (`suīrán...dànshì`) is a fundamental structure for expressing contra...
Casual 'If' in Chinese: Using 要是 (yàoshi)
Overview The ability to discuss conditions—"if this, then that"—is fundamental to any language. In Chinese, the concept...
As Soon As... Then... (一...就...)
Overview The structure **`一...就...` (yī...jiù...)** is one of the most fundamental and high-frequency patterns in Man...
