The Chinese conjunction structure 不但…而且… (búdàn… érqiě…) is the primary way to express the concept of "not only… but also…" in Mandarin. It is a progressive conjunction, meaning that the information following the second part (而且) is usually more significant, surprising, or intense than the information provided after the first part (不但). This structure is essential for moving beyond simple, single-clause sentences and allows speakers to build complexity by layering attributes, actions, or consequences. In daily life, it is used to praise someone's multifaceted talents, describe the various features of a product, or explain the wide-reaching impacts of a specific event. The beauty of this structure lies in its logical progression; it prepares the listener for a 'bonus' piece of information that reinforces the initial statement. For instance, if you say someone is not only smart but also hardworking, the 'hardworking' part often carries more weight in the context of their success. This structure is ubiquitous in both spoken and written Chinese, appearing in everything from casual gossip to formal political speeches.
- Core Function
- To link two clauses where the second clause adds a higher level of intensity or additional information to the first.
他不但会说汉语，而且说得非常好。 (He not only can speak Chinese, but also speaks it very well.)
Beyond simple addition, this structure serves a rhetorical purpose. It creates a sense of momentum. When a speaker begins a sentence with "不但," the listener immediately anticipates a second, often more impressive, point. This makes it a powerful tool for persuasion and storytelling. For English speakers, the transition is quite natural because the logic mirrors the English equivalent almost perfectly. However, the nuances of word order, especially regarding the subject of the sentence, require careful attention to ensure grammatical accuracy. Using this structure correctly instantly elevates a learner's fluency from basic (A1) to intermediate (A2/B1), as it demonstrates the ability to connect logical thoughts coherently rather than just listing facts. Whether you are describing a delicious meal that is not only tasty but also affordable, or a movie that is not only long but also boring, this pair of words will be your go-to tool for emphasizing the cumulative nature of your observations.
这个西瓜不但很大，而且很甜。 (This watermelon is not only big, but also very sweet.)
- Emotional Tone
- Can be used for both positive reinforcement (praise) and negative amplification (complaining).
In more formal contexts, you might see variations like "不仅…而且…" or "不但…还…," but "不但…而且…" remains the most versatile and commonly taught standard. It bridges the gap between conversational ease and structural formality. When using it, remember that the two parts being connected should generally belong to the same category (e.g., two adjectives, two verbs, or two full clauses). This parallelism makes the sentence sound balanced and professional. For example, if the first part describes a physical trait, the second part should ideally describe another trait or a related ability, rather than jumping to an entirely unrelated topic. This coherence is what allows the "progressive" nature of the conjunction to truly shine, guiding the listener through a logical ladder of information that culminates in the final point.
去那里不但浪费时间，而且浪费钱。 (Going there not only wastes time, but also wastes money.)
Mastering the use of 不但…而且… requires understanding one crucial grammatical rule: the position of the subject. This is where most English speakers make mistakes because English word order is more flexible in this regard. In Chinese, the placement of the subject depends entirely on whether the two clauses share the same subject or have different subjects. This distinction is the hallmark of grammatical accuracy at the A2 and B1 levels. Let's break down these two primary patterns in detail to ensure you can use them with confidence in any situation.
- Pattern 1: Same Subject
- If the subject of both clauses is the same, the subject MUST be placed before '不但'. Structure: [Subject] + 不但 + [Predicate 1], 而且 + [Predicate 2].
他不但聪明，而且很努力。 (He is not only smart, but also very hardworking.)
In the example above, 'he' (他) is the subject for both being smart and being hardworking. Therefore, '他' comes first. If you were to say '不但他聪明...', it would sound unnatural or imply that you are about to compare him to someone else. This pattern is most common when describing people, objects, or singular events. It allows for a streamlined sentence where the subject is established early, and the focus remains on the escalating descriptions that follow.
- Pattern 2: Different Subjects
- If the subjects of the two clauses are different, '不但' MUST be placed before the first subject. Structure: 不但 + [Subject 1] + [Predicate 1], 而且 + [Subject 2] + [Predicate 2].
不但我去过中国，而且他也去过。 (Not only have I been to China, but he has also been there.)
In this second scenario, we are talking about two different people ('I' and 'he'). By putting '不但' at the very beginning, you signal to the listener that the scope of the sentence involves multiple actors. This is a common point of confusion for learners because the English 'Not only I...' sounds slightly formal or archaic, whereas in Chinese, it is the standard and necessary way to handle different subjects. Failing to move '不但' to the front in this case is one of the most frequent errors on the HSK exams.
Additionally, the second clause often includes auxiliary words like '也' (yě - also) or '还' (hái - still/also) to strengthen the connection. While '而且' is the formal conjunction, adding '也' after the second subject makes the sentence sound more natural and rhythmic. For example: "不但我会跳舞，而且我妹妹也会跳舞" (Not only can I dance, but my younger sister can also dance). Notice how '也' appears after '妹妹'. This combination of '而且' and '也' is extremely common in native speech and provides a clear signal of the progressive relationship between the two facts being presented.
这部电影不但很有趣，而且还很有教育意义。 (This movie is not only interesting, but also very educational.)
- Negative Usage
- You can use '不但不' (búdàn bù) to mean 'not only not...', which often leads to a surprising or contrary result in the second clause, usually marked by '反而' (fǎn'ér - on the contrary).
By practicing these two primary patterns—same subject vs. different subjects—you will avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this structure. Whether you are writing an essay or having a conversation at a coffee shop, keeping the subject's position in mind will make your Chinese sound structured, logical, and highly proficient.
You will encounter 不但…而且… in a vast array of contexts, ranging from the most mundane daily interactions to high-stakes professional environments. Its versatility makes it one of the most useful structures in the Chinese language. In a household setting, you might hear a parent praising a child, saying, "你不但完成了作业，而且做得非常认真" (You not only finished your homework, but you also did it very conscientiously). Here, it serves to reinforce positive behavior by highlighting both the completion of a task and the quality of the effort. Similarly, in a marketplace or while shopping, salesclerks frequently use this structure to upsell products. A phone salesperson might tell you, "这个手机不但屏幕大，而且电池很耐用" (This phone not only has a large screen, but also has a very durable battery). In these consumer contexts, the structure is designed to list selling points in a way that feels like the value is constantly increasing.
“这家餐厅不但菜好吃，而且服务员也很热情。” (This restaurant's food is not only delicious, but the waiters are also very enthusiastic.)
In the professional world, "不但…而且…" is a staple of presentations and reports. When a manager evaluates a project's success, they might say, "这个项目不但提前完成了，而且还节省了预算" (This project was not only completed ahead of schedule, but it also saved the budget). In such formal settings, the structure helps to organize achievements logically, showing a comprehensive grasp of the situation. It is also a favorite of news anchors and journalists. When reporting on a policy change or a natural event, they use it to describe multi-layered impacts. For example, "这次降雨不但缓解了旱情，而且也降低了气温" (This rainfall not only relieved the drought but also lowered the temperature). The structure provides a clear, objective way to link cause and effect or multiple effects of a single cause.
Entertainment and social media are also full of this structure. On Chinese variety shows or in TikTok (Douyin) videos, influencers use it to describe experiences or products with high energy. You might see a travel vlogger say, "这个地方不但风景美，而且拍照特别出片" (This place not only has beautiful scenery, but it's also great for taking photos). The emphasis on 'moreover' or 'but also' helps to build excitement and engagement with the audience. Even in literature and song lyrics, the structure is used to create a rhythmic buildup of emotions or descriptions. It allows the writer to paint a more vivid picture by adding layers of detail that go beyond the initial observation. In essence, whenever there is a need to show that 'one thing is not enough to describe the situation,' 不但…而且… is the primary linguistic tool used by native speakers across all walks of life.
“学习汉语不但能了解中国文化，而且能增加就业机会。” (Learning Chinese not only allows you to understand Chinese culture but also increases job opportunities.)
Finally, you will hear it in debates or arguments. When someone wants to prove a point, they use this structure to pile up evidence. "他不但在工作中犯了错，而且还拒不承认错误" (He not only made a mistake at work, but he also refused to admit it). By using this structure, the speaker makes their criticism much stronger than if they had just stated the two facts separately. It shows a pattern of behavior or a sequence of escalating issues. Understanding this word is therefore not just about grammar; it's about understanding the logic and emphasis that native speakers use to navigate their social and professional worlds.
Learning 不但…而且… comes with a few specific hurdles that often trip up English speakers. The most frequent error, as mentioned earlier, is the Subject Position Mistake. In English, we can say "Not only I like pizza..." or "I not only like pizza...". However, in Chinese, the placement of '不但' is strictly governed by whether the subject changes. If you are the subject of both parts, '我' must come before '不但'. If you say '不但我喜欢披萨，而且我也喜欢汉堡' (Not only I like pizza, but I also like burgers), it sounds like you are a robot or a non-native speaker. The correct way is '我不但喜欢披萨，而且也喜欢汉堡'. Conversely, if you are comparing two people, '不但' must come first. '我不但喜欢披萨，而且他喜欢披萨' is incorrect; it should be '不但我喜欢披萨，而且他也喜欢披萨'. This is the 'Golden Rule' of this conjunction.
- Mistake 1: Wrong Subject Position
- Placing the subject after '不但' when both clauses have the same subject, or before '不但' when they have different subjects.
Incorrect: 不但他会唱歌，而且他会跳舞。
Correct: 他不但会唱歌，而且会跳舞。
Another common error is the Lack of Progression. Remember, the second part should 'step up' from the first. If the two things are just equal or unrelated, other conjunctions like '既…又…' (both... and...) or '和' (and) are more appropriate. For example, saying "He is not only a man but also has two legs" sounds ridiculous because the second part doesn't add anything meaningful or progressive to the first. The second clause should feel like a 'bonus' or a more intense version of the first. If you say "He is not only a doctor but also a world-renowned surgeon," that makes perfect sense because the second title is more specific and impressive.
A third mistake is Forgetting the Second Half. In English, we sometimes drop the 'but also' and just use 'not only' in complex sentences. In Chinese, leaving out the '而且' (or a substitute like '也/还') often leaves the sentence feeling unfinished. While in very casual speech you might hear it shortened, for a learner, it is a major grammatical red flag. Your sentence should almost always have two clear parts. Furthermore, some learners confuse '不但' with '不但不'. Remember that adding '不' at the end changes the meaning to 'not only not...', which usually requires '反而' in the second clause to show a result that is the opposite of what was expected. Mixing these up can lead to significant misunderstandings in your intended logic.
Incorrect: 他不但没生气，而且很高兴。
Correct: 他不但没生气，反而很高兴。 (He was not only not angry, but on the contrary, very happy.)
- Mistake 2: Mixing Negative Logic
- Using '而且' when the second clause is a complete reversal of expectations; '反而' is needed in those cases.
Finally, avoid Semantic Mismatch. The two things you connect should be logically related. You wouldn't say "The weather is not only cold, but he also likes to eat apples" because there is no logical link between the weather and his eating habits. To use 不但…而且… effectively, ensure that both parts contribute to a single, coherent point or description. By keeping these four points in mind—subject position, logical progression, the correct partner word, and semantic relevance—you will master this essential Chinese structure and avoid the most common pitfalls that plague early learners.
While 不但…而且… is the most common way to express "not only… but also…", Chinese offers several alternatives that carry slightly different nuances, formality levels, or logical structures. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the right situation and make your Chinese sound more natural and varied. The most frequent alternative you will encounter is 不仅…而且… (bùjǐn… érqiě…). Functionally, it is almost identical to '不但', but it feels slightly more formal and is more common in written texts, news reports, and academic settings. If you are writing an essay or a business email, '不仅' might be a better choice to convey a professional tone.
- Comparison: 不但 vs. 不仅
- '不但' is more common in spoken, everyday language. '不仅' is more formal and common in literature and professional writing.
这个问题不仅关系到个人，而且关系到整个社会。 (This issue not only concerns individuals but also concerns the entire society.)
Another spoken alternative is 不只…也… (bùzhǐ… yě…). '不只' literally means "not just". It is very common in fast-paced conversation. While '不但' emphasizes the progressive relationship, '不只' focuses more on the fact that there is more than one thing to consider. It's a bit softer and very natural in casual settings. For example, "我不只喜欢唱歌，也喜欢跳舞" (I don't just like singing, I also like dancing). Note how '也' is often used here instead of '而且'. This combination is a hallmark of native-level casual fluency.
- Comparison: 不但 vs. 既…又…
- '不但…而且…' implies a progression (B is more than A). '既…又…' (jì… yòu…) implies two qualities exist simultaneously at the same level of importance.
If you want to say something is "both A and B" without necessarily implying that B is more important, 既…又… is your best friend. For instance, "这个西瓜既大又甜" (This watermelon is both big and sweet) suggests two equal qualities. If you said "这个西瓜不但大，而且很甜," you are putting a bit more emphasis on the sweetness as a secondary, perhaps more important, discovery. Choosing between these two depends on what you want to emphasize. Use '不但' for impact and progression, and '既…又…' for balanced descriptions.
Lastly, for very strong emphasis, you might use 甚至 (shènzhì), which means "even". You can combine this with '不但' to create a very powerful statement: "他不但不帮我，甚至还笑话我" (He not only didn't help me, he even laughed at me). This takes the progressive nature of '而且' and pushes it to an extreme. By learning these various ways to add information—from the balanced '既…又…' to the formal '不仅…' and the extreme '甚至'—you can tailor your Chinese to perfectly match your intentions and the social context you are in.
他不光会游泳，不光会游泳，还会潜水。 (He not only knows how to swim, but also knows how to dive.)
- Colloquial Variant
- '不光…还…' (bùguāng… hái…) is another very common way to say this in Northern China, especially in Beijing dialect.
Examples by Level
他不但高，而且帅。
He is not only tall, but also handsome.
Same subject (他) comes before 不但.
苹果不但红，而且甜。
The apple is not only red, but also sweet.
Adjectives (红, 甜) are connected by the structure.
我不但喜欢猫，而且喜欢狗。
I not only like cats, but also like dogs.
Verbs (喜欢) are connected.
这件衣服不但好，而且便宜。
This piece of clothing is not only good, but also cheap.
Commonly used in shopping contexts.
今天不但有雨，而且有风。
Today there is not only rain, but also wind.
Describing weather conditions.
她不但会跳舞，而且会唱歌。
She not only can dance, but also can sing.
Connecting two abilities.
那个西瓜不但大，而且圆。
That watermelon is not only big, but also round.
Describing physical attributes.
不但我去了，而且他也去了。
Not only did I go, but he also went.
Different subjects, so 不但 comes at the very beginning.
这个手机不但漂亮，而且很好用。
This phone is not only beautiful, but also very easy to use.
Describing features of a product.
他不但会说英文，而且会说中文。
He not only can speak English, but also can speak Chinese.
Connecting language skills.
我不但买了水果，而且还买了面包。
I not only bought fruit, but also bought bread.
Using '还' (hái) for extra emphasis.
这道菜不但闻起来香，而且吃起来也很好吃。
This dish not only smells good, but also tastes delicious.
Using '也' (yě) in the second clause.
不但他没来，而且他的朋友也没来。
Not only did he not come, but his friend also didn't come.
Different subjects with negative actions.
学习汉语不但很有趣，而且很有用。
Learning Chinese is not only very interesting, but also very useful.
Describing an abstract concept (learning).
他不但每天跑步，而且还打篮球。
He not only runs every day, but also plays basketball.
Connecting daily activities.
不但北京很大，而且上海也很大。
Not only is Beijing big, but Shanghai is also big.
Comparing two different subjects (cities).
他不但工作很努力，而且非常有创造力。
He is not only very hardworking, but also very creative.
Professional qualities.
这个决定不但影响了公司，而且影响了整个行业。
This decision not only affected the company, but also the entire industry.
Describing broader impacts.
他不但没迟到，反而早到了半个小时。
He was not only not late, but on the contrary, he arrived half an hour early.
Using '不但不...反而...' for surprising results.
经常运动不但能强身健体，而且能缓解压力。
Regular exercise can not only strengthen the body but also relieve stress.
Health benefits.
不但这里的风景美，而且当地的人也很友好。
Not only is the scenery here beautiful, but the local people are also very friendly.
Different subjects in a travel context.
他不但精通电脑，而且对艺术也很有研究。
He is not only proficient in computers, but also has a lot of research in art.
Connecting disparate skills.
不但我们要努力，而且下一代也要努力。
Not only must we work hard, but the next generation must also work hard.
Social/Generational subjects.
不但他自己成功了，而且他还帮助了很多人。
Not only did he succeed himself, but he also helped many people.
Action and its secondary impact.
这项技术不但提高了生产效率，而且降低了环境污染。
This technology not only improved production efficiency but also reduced environmental pollution.
Technical and environmental impacts.
他不但在学术界很有名，而且在商界也很有影响力。
He is not only famous in academia but also very influential in the business world.
Cross-domain influence.
这次改革不但解决了历史遗留问题，而且为未来发展打下了基础。
This reform not only solved historical issues but also laid the foundation for future development.
Political/Structural context.
不但这种植物能在沙漠生长，而且它的花还非常漂亮。
Not only can this plant grow in the desert, but its flowers are also very beautiful.
Describing biological resilience and beauty.
不但他本人拒不认错，而且他的家人还试图包庇他。
Not only did he refuse to admit his mistake, but his family also tried to cover for him.
Legal/Moral context with different subjects.
多读好书不但能开阔视野，而且能陶冶情操。
Reading good books not only broadens one's horizons but also cultivates one's character.
Psychological/Educational benefits.
不但我们要节约用水，而且全世界都要行动起来。
Not only must we save water, but the whole world must also take action.
Global call to action.
他不但没被困难吓倒，反而激发了更大的斗志。
He was not only not intimidated by difficulties, but on the contrary, it sparked even greater fighting spirit.
Advanced use of 反而.
这种文化现象不但反映了当代年轻人的心理，而且揭示了社会结构的变迁。
This cultural phenomenon not only reflects the psychology of contemporary youth but also reveals changes in social structure.
Sociological analysis.
不但他的理论遭到了同行的质疑，而且他的实验数据也被指控造假。
Not only was his theory questioned by peers, but his experimental data was also accused of being falsified.
Academic controversy.
这篇论文不但论证严密，而且文采斐然，实属难得的佳作。
This paper is not only rigorously argued but also brilliantly written, making it a rare masterpiece.
Literary/Academic praise.
不但我们要关注经济增速，而且更要关注经济增长的质量和可持续性。
Not only should we focus on the rate of economic growth, but more importantly, we should focus on the quality and sustainability of that growth.
Macroeconomic discourse.
他不但在文学创作上取得了巨大成就，甚至在政治领域也占有一席之地。
He not only achieved great success in literary creation but even occupied a place in the political field.
Using 甚至 for extreme progression.
不但这种药能缓解症状，而且它几乎没有任何副作用。
Not only can this medicine relieve symptoms, but it also has almost no side effects.
Medical context.
不但我们要尊重传统，而且也要勇于打破陈规，追求创新。
Not only must we respect tradition, but we must also have the courage to break old rules and pursue innovation.
Philosophical balance.
不但这种观点在理论上站不住脚，在实践中也已经被证明是错误的。
Not only is this viewpoint theoretically untenable, but it has also been proven wrong in practice.
Logical refutation.
这一宏伟的建筑蓝图不但彰显了设计师的匠心独运，更寄托了整座城市对未来的美好愿景。
This grand architectural blueprint not only highlights the designer's unique ingenuity but also embodies the entire city's beautiful vision for the future.
High-level architectural/poetic description.
不但这一政策的实施引发了广泛的社会争议，而且其长远影响至今仍难以盖棺定论。
Not only has the implementation of this policy sparked widespread social controversy, but its long-term impact remains difficult to conclude definitively.
Political/Historical analysis.
他不但以其深邃的思想启迪了后人，更以其高尚的人格魅力成为了时代的楷模。
He not only inspired later generations with his profound thoughts but also became a model of the era with his noble personality charm.
Eulogy/Historical tribute.
不但我们要深刻领会会议精神，而且要将其贯彻落实到具体的各项工作之中。
Not only must we deeply understand the spirit of the meeting, but we must also implement it into various specific tasks.
Formal administrative language.
这一发现不但填补了相关领域的空白，而且为后续研究提供了全新的理论视角。
This discovery not only filled a gap in the relevant field but also provided a brand-new theoretical perspective for subsequent research.
Advanced scientific contribution.
不但我们要坚守文化自信，而且要积极推动中华文化走向世界，增强国家文化软实力。
Not only must we adhere to cultural self-confidence, but we must also actively promote Chinese culture to the world and enhance the country's cultural soft power.
National cultural strategy.
不但这种艺术形式在民间广为流传，而且在宫廷中也备受青睐，具有极高的艺术价值。
Not only is this art form widely circulated among the people, but it was also highly favored in the imperial court, possessing extremely high artistic value.
Art history/Cultural analysis.
不但我们要警惕外部风险的冲击，而且要着力解决内部存在的结构性矛盾。
Not only must we be vigilant against the impact of external risks, but we must also focus on solving existing internal structural contradictions.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
