Stacking Facts: Not Only... But Also (`不但...而且`)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {不但|bùdàn} (not only) and {而且|érqiě} (but also) to link two positive facts about the same subject.
- Place {不但|bùdàn} before the first adjective or verb.
- Place {而且|érqiě} before the second adjective or verb.
- The subject usually comes before {不但|bùdàn}.
Overview
Ever tried to describe your favorite bubble tea and realized one compliment just wasn't enough? You want to say it's delicious, but you also want to mention it's cheap. Or maybe you're ranting about a bad movie that was 不但 long 而且 boring.
This is where the power of 不但...而且 comes in. It is the ultimate "upgrade" button for your Chinese sentences. Instead of making two separate boring statements, you stack them together for maximum impact.
It’s like the difference between saying "I have a phone" and "I have a phone that not only folds but also survives being dropped in the toilet." You’re telling your listener: "Wait, there's more!" It is one of the most common ways to show progression and emphasis in daily Mandarin. If you want to sound like a native speaker on social media or in a job interview, you need this pattern in your back pocket. It’s the difference between a basic A1 learner and someone who actually knows how to tell a story.
Plus, it makes you sound 不但 smart 而且 professional.
How This Grammar Works
不但...而且 pattern is a correlative conjunction. That’s just a fancy way of saying it’s a pair of words that work together like a team. Think of it like a "Buy One, Get One Free" deal for information.不但 (not only), sets the stage with a fact. The second part, 而且 (but also), drops the second fact which is usually even more important or impressive than the first. In Chinese, we call this a "progressive relationship" because the second clause moves the thought forward.还 (also/still) or 也 (also) to make the sentence flow better.不但 is the cake, 而且 is the frosting, and 还 is the cherry on top. Just don't try to use it to connect two things that contradict each other. For that, you’d need 虽然...但是 (although...Formation Pattern
不但 + Attribute A, 而且 + (Subject) + Attribute B.
他 不但 很 帅， 而且 很 有钱。 (He is not only handsome, but also rich.)
他 comes before 不但. This is the most common mistake for beginners, so keep an eye on it!
不但 + Subject A + ..., 而且 + Subject B + 也/还 + ...
不但 我 喜欢 喝 咖啡， 而且 我 妹妹 也 喜欢。 (Not only do I like drinking coffee, but my younger sister also likes it.)
不但 jumps to the very front of the sentence. If you have two different subjects, 不但 goes first. If you only have one subject, it stays in the middle. Think of it like a VIP pass: if there's competition (two subjects), 不但 needs to be at the front of the line to manage them.
When To Use It
不但 big 而且 cheap!" It’s also huge in job interviews.不但 speak Chinese, 而且 have three years of experience!" You’re stacking your value. Another great context is online shopping reviews.不但 slow 而且 the box was broken." It adds weight to your frustration. Even in texting friends, it’s super useful. If you’re trying to convince your friend to go to a party, you might say: "The music is 不但 great, 而且 there’s free food!" (The free food is always the clincher).Common Mistakes
不但.- ✗
不但我喜欢跳舞，而且喜欢唱歌。 - ✓
我不但喜欢跳舞，而且喜欢唱歌。
- ✗
这件衣服不但很漂亮，而且很贵。 (Wait, this actually works if you are complaining about the price stacking with the beauty, but it's often misused for contrast).
而且 is the standard partner, leaving out 也 or 还 in the second clause can sometimes make the sentence feel "naked" or abrupt. Adding 也 makes it sound much smoother and more native.Contrast With Similar Patterns
和 (and)? Well, 和 is for connecting nouns, like "apples and oranges." You can't use 和 to connect two whole descriptions or actions. 不但...而且 is for connecting clauses and sentences.除了...还 (in addition to). While similar, 除了 focuses on including something else in a group. 不但...而且 focuses on the intensification of a description.虽然...但是 (although... but).虽然is a U-turn: "It's raining, BUT I'm going out."不但is an accelerator: "It's raining, AND it's cold too!"
Quick FAQ
Can I just say 不但 and skip 而且?
Technically, in very casual speech, you might hear people use 不但 with just 还 or 也. But for your HSK exams and to sound clear, keep the pair together. It's like a buddy movie—they work better as a duo.
Can I use this for negative things?
Absolutely! You can be not only late but also rude. It’s perfect for a dramatic breakup or a one-star Yelp review.
Is 而且 formal?
It’s used in both formal and informal Chinese, but in very formal writing, you might see 不仅 instead of 不但. For now, stick to 不但—it’s the universal choice for students and young adults.
Does the second part always have to be "bigger" than the first?
Ideally, yes. It follows the "Saving the best (or worst) for last" rule. You wouldn't say "He is not only the President but also knows how to tie his shoes." That's a bit of a letdown, right?
Basic Sentence Structure
| Subject | 不但 | Part A | 而且 | Part B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
他
|
不但
|
聪明
|
而且
|
努力
|
|
她
|
不但
|
漂亮
|
而且
|
善良
|
|
这件衣服
|
不但
|
好看
|
而且
|
便宜
|
|
老师
|
不但
|
教得好
|
而且
|
耐心
|
|
电影
|
不但
|
有趣
|
而且
|
长
|
|
咖啡
|
不但
|
热
|
而且
|
香
|
Common Variations
| Structure | Usage |
|---|---|
|
不但...而且还...
|
Adds extra emphasis
|
|
不但不...反而...
|
Contrastive (not A, but the opposite)
|
Meanings
This structure is used to indicate that a subject possesses two qualities or performs two actions simultaneously, emphasizing the second point.
Additive qualities
Connecting two adjectives describing a subject.
“她{不但|bùdàn}漂亮，{而且|érqiě}善良。”
“这件衣服{不但|bùdàn}好看，{而且|érqiě}很便宜。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 不但 + A + 而且 + B
|
他不但聪明，而且努力。
|
|
Verb-based
|
Subj + 不但 + Verb1 + 而且 + Verb2
|
他不但会说，而且会写。
|
|
With 'also'
|
Subj + 不但 + A + 而且 + 还 + B
|
他不但聪明，而且还很努力。
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 不但 + 不 + Verb1 + 而且 + Verb2
|
他不但不生气，而且还笑了。
|
Formality Spectrum
这辆车不但速度快，而且安全性高。 (Describing a car)
这辆车不但快，而且很安全。 (Describing a car)
这车不但快，而且安全。 (Describing a car)
这车又快又安全。 (Describing a car)
The 'Not Only... But Also' Bridge
Adjectives
- 聪明 smart
- 努力 hardworking
Verbs
- 说 speak
- 写 write
Examples by Level
他{不但|bùdàn}聪明，{而且|érqiě}很努力。
He is not only smart but also hardworking.
这杯咖啡{不但|bùdàn}热，{而且|érqiě}好喝。
This coffee is not only hot but also tasty.
她{不但|bùdàn}会说中文，{而且|érqiě}会写。
She not only speaks Chinese but also writes it.
这个书包{不但|bùdàn}大，{而且|érqiě}好看。
This bag is not only big but also nice-looking.
他{不但|bùdàn}每天跑步，{而且|érqiě}吃得很健康。
He not only runs every day but also eats healthily.
这部电影{不但|bùdàn}很有趣，{而且|érqiě}很有意义。
This movie is not only interesting but also meaningful.
老师{不但|bùdàn}教得好，{而且|érqiě}很有耐心。
The teacher not only teaches well but is also very patient.
这个城市{不但|bùdàn}交通方便，{而且|érqiě}环境很好。
This city not only has convenient transport but also a great environment.
他{不但|bùdàn}没有生气，{而且|érqiě}还帮了我。
He not only didn't get angry, but he also helped me.
这个项目{不但|bùdàn}耗时，{而且|érqiě}成本很高。
This project is not only time-consuming but also very costly.
她{不但|bùdàn}精通英语，{而且|érqiě}对法语也有研究。
She is not only proficient in English but also studies French.
这种药{不但|bùdàn}有效，{而且|érqiě}副作用很小。
This medicine is not only effective but also has few side effects.
该政策{不但|bùdàn}促进了经济增长，{而且|érqiě}改善了民生。
The policy not only promoted economic growth but also improved people's livelihoods.
他{不但|bùdàn}在学术上造诣深厚，{而且|érqiě}在艺术领域也颇有建树。
He is not only deeply accomplished in academia but also has achievements in art.
这种设计{不但|bùdàn}美观，{而且|érqiě}兼顾了实用性。
This design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical.
我们{不但|bùdàn}要看到成绩，{而且|érqiě}要反思不足。
We must not only see the achievements but also reflect on the shortcomings.
此举{不但|bùdàn}未能解决问题，{而且|érqiě}加剧了矛盾。
This move not only failed to solve the problem but also exacerbated the conflict.
他{不但|bùdàn}未曾退缩，{而且|érqiě}愈发坚定。
He not only did not retreat but became even more determined.
该技术{不但|bùdàn}颠覆了传统，{而且|érqiě}引领了未来。
This technology not only disrupted tradition but also led the future.
其作品{不但|bùdàn}具有时代感，{而且|érqiě}蕴含深厚哲理。
His work not only has a sense of the times but also contains deep philosophy.
这不仅是技术的革新，{不但|bùdàn}改变了生产方式，{而且|érqiě}重塑了社会结构。
This is not just a technological innovation; it not only changed production methods but also reshaped social structures.
他{不但|bùdàn}博古通今，{而且|érqiě}能将理论运用于实践。
He is not only well-versed in ancient and modern history but can also apply theory to practice.
这种现象{不但|bùdàn}普遍存在，{而且|érqiě}具有深远的文化根源。
This phenomenon is not only widespread but also has deep cultural roots.
其演说{不但|bùdàn}逻辑严密，{而且|érqiě}极具感染力。
His speech was not only logically rigorous but also highly infectious.
Easily Confused
Learners use '和' for everything.
Both mean 'and'.
Both are correlative conjunctions.
Common Mistakes
不但聪明，努力。
他不但聪明，而且努力。
他聪明而且不但努力。
他不但聪明，而且努力。
不但聪明，而且聪明。
他不但聪明，而且努力。
他不但聪明，而且他努力。
他不但聪明，而且努力。
不但他聪明，而且他努力。
他不但聪明，而且努力。
不但聪明，而且是努力。
他不但聪明，而且努力。
不但聪明，而且很努力。
他不但聪明，而且很努力。
不但他聪明，而且我也聪明。
不但他聪明，而且我也聪明。
不但聪明，而且努力的。
他不但聪明，而且努力。
不但聪明，但是努力。
他不但聪明，而且努力。
不但聪明，而且努力。
他不但聪明，而且努力。
Sentence Patterns
他不但___，而且___。
这件衣服不但___，而且___。
她不但会___，而且会___。
这个项目不但___，而且___。
Real World Usage
这顿饭不但好吃，而且便宜！
我不但有经验，而且学习能力强。
电影不但好看，而且还很感人。
手机不但外观漂亮，而且功能强大。
这个城市不但历史悠久，而且风景优美。
这家店不但送得快，而且包装好。
Balance
Subject Placement
Add '还'
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use this structure to sound more descriptive.
Use this to highlight multiple benefits.
Use this to show off your abilities.
Use this to soften your critique.
Pronunciation
Tones
Ensure the 4th tone on '不但' and the 2nd/3rd tones on '而且' are clear.
Rising-Falling
不但 (rise) ... 而且 (fall)
Emphasis on the second part.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '不但' as 'Not-only' and '而且' as 'And-also'.
Visual Association
Imagine a person holding two balloons. One says 'Not only' and the other says 'But also'. They are connected by a string.
Rhyme
不但聪明又努力，而且学习好成绩。
Story
Xiao Ming is a super student. He is not only smart, but also kind. Because he is not only smart but also kind, everyone likes him.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your best friend using this structure in 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in formal speeches and academic writing.
Derived from classical Chinese additive structures.
Conversation Starters
你觉得你的老师怎么样？
这个城市好玩吗？
你为什么想学中文？
你对这份工作有什么看法？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
他___聪明，___努力。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他聪明而且努力。
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: a...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use '不但...而且' with '好吃' and '便宜'.
他___会说中文，___会写。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises他___聪明，___努力。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他聪明而且努力。
聪明 / 他 / 而且 / 不但 / 努力
She is not only pretty but also kind.
不但...?
Use '不但...而且' with '好吃' and '便宜'.
他___会说中文，___会写。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises那部电影不但很长，___ 很无聊。
不但 / 老师 / 聪明 / 而且 / 漂亮 / 很
Not only I like coffee, but my friend also likes it.
他不但会说中文...
不但这件衣服贵，而且不好看。
Select the best sentence:
___ 小明会跳舞，而且小红也公跳舞。
而且 / 他 / 还没做 / 不但 / 迟到了 / 功课
This phone is not only beautiful but also very fast.
Which sentence describes two bad things?
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, but it's less common. Usually, it's for positive traits.
Yes, usually. '他不但...' is the standard.
No, you need both parts for the structure to work.
Yes, '而且' can be used as a simple 'also', but '不但...而且' is a specific pair.
It's neutral. Used in both daily life and formal writing.
'和' is for listing, '不但...而且' is for emphasizing two qualities.
Yes, '而且还' is very common for emphasis.
You can say '不但他聪明，而且我也聪明'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
no solo... sino también
Spanish uses 'sino' for the second part.
non seulement... mais aussi
French requires 'mais' (but) in the second part.
nicht nur... sondern auch
German word order is more complex.
～だけでなく、～も
Japanese places the 'also' (mo) at the end of the second clause.
ليس فقط... بل أيضاً
Arabic uses 'bal' (but) for the second part.
不但...而且
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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