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A2 conjunction #3,000 most common 5 min read

不但...而且

budan... erqie
At the A1 level, learners start to move beyond one-word answers. '不但...而且' (bùdàn... érqiě) is introduced as a way to link two simple descriptions. For example, instead of saying 'The apple is big. The apple is red,' a student learns to say 'The apple is not only big but also red.' The focus here is on basic adjectives and very simple subject-verb-object structures. Learners are taught the 'Same Subject' rule first because it is the most common and easiest to grasp. The goal is to help students describe people, food, and daily objects with more than one attribute, making their Chinese sound more natural and less robotic. At this stage, we avoid complex logical progressions and stick to simple additive facts.
At the A2 level, '不但...而且' becomes a key tool for describing experiences and preferences. Students learn to use it with verbs and short phrases, not just single adjectives. For instance, 'He not only likes to sing but also likes to dance.' This level also introduces the 'Different Subject' rule, which is a significant grammatical jump. Students learn that if two people are doing the same thing, '不但' moves to the front of the sentence. This helps in describing group activities or shared traits. A2 learners also start to see '而且' paired with '还' (hái) or '也' (yě) to add emphasis, such as '不但...而且还...' (not only... but even...).
By B1, the use of '不但...而且' expands into abstract concepts and logical arguments. It is no longer just about 'big and red' apples; it's about 'not only improving efficiency but also reducing environmental impact.' B1 learners use this structure to connect clauses in more complex ways, often in the context of work, travel, or social issues. They also begin to distinguish between '不但' and its more formal cousin '不仅' (bùjǐn). The focus shifts to the 'progressive' nature of the conjunction—ensuring that the second point is genuinely more significant or surprising than the first. This level also covers using the structure to express negative progression (e.g., 'not only didn't apologize, but also got angry').
At the B2 level, '不但...而且' is used fluently in both spoken and written contexts to build persuasive arguments. Learners are expected to use it without hesitation, correctly placing the subject every time. They also learn to use '不但不...反而...' (bùdàn bù... fǎn'ér...), which means 'not only not... but on the contrary...' This is a sophisticated variation that shows a reversal of expectations. B2 students are also taught to use '不但' in combination with other conjunctions to create long, multi-part sentences that are common in academic or professional Chinese. The nuance of tone—whether the speaker is being complimentary, critical, or purely objective—becomes more important.
C1 learners use '不但...而且' as a rhetorical device. In high-level essays and speeches, it serves to structure an argument by layering evidence. At this level, students explore literary equivalents like '非但...抑且' (fēidàn... yìqiě) or '不仅...更有' (bùjǐn... gèngyǒu). They understand the subtle rhythmic and stylistic differences between these variations. C1 students also use the structure to handle complex, hypothetical, or philosophical discussions, where the 'addition' might be a nuanced philosophical point rather than a physical attribute. They are also adept at using the structure in the passive voice or within embedded clauses.
At the C2 level, mastery of '不但...而且' is absolute. The learner uses it with the precision of a native speaker, often using it to set up a rhetorical 'trap' or a dramatic reveal in storytelling. They can manipulate the structure for poetic effect or to mimic specific historical or regional styles of Chinese. C2 learners also understand the deep cultural contexts where this structure is used in classical literature or famous modern speeches. They can identify when a speaker intentionally breaks the 'progression' rule for ironic or humorous effect. The focus is on perfect integration into complex, high-register discourse, including legal, political, and philosophical texts.
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

不但...而且 in 30 Seconds

  • 不但...而且 is the standard Chinese way to say 'not only... but also', used to show progression and add emphasis to the second point.
  • If the subject is the same for both parts of the sentence, place the subject before '不但'. If subjects differ, place '不但' first.
  • The second clause often uses '也' (also) or '还' (still/even) to strengthen the connection between the two points being made.
  • It is versatile, appearing in casual speech, advertising, and formal writing, with '不仅' serving as a more formal alternative to '不但'.

The conjunction 不但...而且 (bùdàn... érqiě) is a cornerstone of intermediate Chinese grammar, used to connect two clauses where the second clause adds information that goes a step further than the first. It translates directly to "not only... but also" in English. This structure is essential for moving beyond simple sentences and starting to describe complex qualities, actions, or situations. In linguistic terms, it is a progressive conjunction, meaning the second part usually carries more weight or represents a higher degree of intensity than the first part.

Grammatical Function
It functions as a correlative pair, linking two predicates or two full clauses to show addition and progression.
Logical Flow
The logic follows a '1 + 1 > 1' pattern, where the second point reinforces or expands upon the first.
Subject Position
Crucially, the position of the subject changes depending on whether the two clauses share the same subject or have different ones.

他不但会说中文，而且说得很好。 (He not only can speak Chinese, but also speaks it very well.)

这件衣服不但漂亮，而且很便宜。 (This piece of clothing is not only beautiful, but also very cheap.)

Emphasis
The emphasis is almost always on the second clause, which provides the 'punchline' or the additional benefit/detriment.

不但我会去，而且他也会去。 (Not only will I go, but he will also go.)

学习汉语不但很有趣，而且对找工作有帮助。 (Learning Chinese is not only interesting, but also helpful for finding a job.)

这个西瓜不但大，而且特别甜。 (This watermelon is not only big, but also especially sweet.)

Using 不但...而且 correctly requires attention to two main things: the logical progression of ideas and the placement of the subject. Let's break down the rules for different scenarios.

Rule 1: Same Subject

If the subject of both clauses is the same, the subject is placed before '不但'.

Formula
Subject + 不但 + A, 而且 + B

他不但聪明，而且很努力。 (He is not only smart, but also hardworking.)

Rule 2: Different Subjects

If the two clauses have different subjects, '不但' must be placed before the first subject.

Formula
不但 + Subject 1 + A, 而且 + Subject 2 + 也/还 + B

不但老师喜欢他，而且同学们也都喜欢他。 (Not only does the teacher like him, but all the students also like him.)

Rule 3: Variations of '而且'

In spoken Chinese, '而且' is sometimes replaced by '也' or '还', or combined with them (而且还). In formal writing, '不但' might be replaced by '不仅' (bùjǐn) or '不只' (bùzhǐ).

他不但会唱歌，还会跳舞。 (He not only can sing, but also can dance.)

Common Pairing
不但... 而且还... (Not only... but also even...)

You will encounter 不但...而且 in almost every facet of Chinese life, from casual conversations to formal news broadcasts. It is a versatile tool for emphasizing benefits, listing grievances, or describing complex traits.

In Daily Conversation

Friends use it to recommend restaurants or movies. It helps justify why something is worth the time or money.

那家店不但菜好吃，而且服务员也很热情。 (That restaurant's food is not only delicious, but the waiters are also very enthusiastic.)

In Advertisements

Marketing copy relies heavily on this structure to list multiple selling points of a product.

这款手机不但拍照清晰，而且电池非常耐用。 (This phone not only takes clear photos, but the battery is also very durable.)

In Workplace/Formal Settings

When giving a presentation or writing a report, it adds a layer of sophistication to your arguments.

Usage
To highlight the multi-faceted impact of a policy or project.

这个计划不但能节省成本，而且能提高效率。 (This plan can not only save costs, but also improve efficiency.)

While the concept is simple, learners often trip up on the syntax. Here are the most frequent errors to avoid.

1. Misplacing the Subject

This is the #1 mistake. Remember: Same subject? Subject first. Different subjects? '不但' first.

Wrong
不但他会说英语，而且他会说法语。 (Same subject, but '不但' is at the start.)
Correct
他不但会说英语，而且会说法语。

2. Lack of Progression

The second part must be 'more' than the first. You cannot use it for two unrelated things or for a 'downgrade'.

Wrong
他不但是个经理，而且是个男人。 (Being a man isn't a 'progression' from being a manager.)

3. Forgetting the '而且' (or equivalent)

Sometimes learners use '不但' but forget to close the loop with '而且', '也', or '还'. The sentence feels unfinished.

他不但聪明，[Missing word] 很帅。 (He is not only smart, [but also] very handsome.)

Chinese has several ways to express addition. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right 'flavor' for your sentence.

不仅...也/还 (bùjǐn... yě/hái)
Almost identical to 不但...而且, but slightly more formal. It's very common in written Chinese and professional speeches.
除了...还 (chúle... hái)
Means 'In addition to... also'. While similar, it focuses on adding items to a list rather than showing a progression of intensity.
既...又 (jì... yòu)
Means 'both... and...'. This is used for two qualities that exist simultaneously without necessarily one being 'more' than the other (e.g., 'both tall and strong').

他不仅是我的老师，也是我的朋友。 (He is not only my teacher, but also my friend. - Formal/Polite)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

这个苹果不但大，而且红。

This apple is not only big, but also red.

Same subject (apple), so subject comes first.

2

他不但高，而且帅。

He is not only tall, but also handsome.

Simple adjectives used to describe a person.

3

妹妹不但爱笑，而且爱跳舞。

Little sister not only loves to laugh, but also loves to dance.

Connecting two simple verb phrases.

4

这杯咖啡不但热，而且苦。

This cup of coffee is not only hot, but also bitter.

Describing sensory experiences.

5

不但我会说中文，而且他也会说。

Not only can I speak Chinese, but he can too.

Different subjects (I and He), so '不但' comes first.

6

不但爸爸去，而且妈妈也去。

Not only is Dad going, but Mom is also going.

Note the use of '也' in the second clause.

7

这本书不但好，而且很便宜。

This book is not only good, but also very cheap.

Common use in shopping/evaluating items.

8

今天不但冷，而且下雨。

Today is not only cold, but also raining.

Describing weather conditions.

1

他不但会说汉语，而且会写汉字。

He not only can speak Chinese, but also can write characters.

Connecting two related skills.

2

这家饭馆不但菜好，而且服务也好。

This restaurant's food is not only good, but the service is also good.

Describing two different aspects of a business.

3

不但北京很大，而且上海也很大。

Not only is Beijing big, but Shanghai is also big.

Different subjects (Beijing and Shanghai).

4

不但我喜欢运动，而且我的朋友也喜欢。

Not only do I like sports, but my friends do too.

Using '也' to link different subjects.

5

这件衣服不但颜色漂亮，而且质量很好。

This clothing's color is not only beautiful, but the quality is also good.

Focusing on specific attributes.

6

他不但每天跑步，而且还游泳。

He not only runs every day, but also swims.

Using '还' for extra emphasis.

7

学习汉语不但很有用，而且很有趣。

Learning Chinese is not only useful, but also very interesting.

Abstract qualities of an activity.

8

不但他没来，而且他的弟弟也没来。

Not only did he not come, but his younger brother didn't come either.

Negative progression.

1

这个项目不但能赚钱，而且能帮助很多人。

This project can not only make money, but also help many people.

Professional/Social impact context.

2

他不但不承认错误，而且还怪别人。

He not only refused to admit his mistake, but also blamed others.

Negative behavior progression.

3

这里的环境不但安静，而且空气非常清新。

The environment here is not only quiet, but the air is also very fresh.

Describing nature/atmosphere.

4

不但老师要求我们复习，而且学校也这么要求。

Not only did the teacher ask us to review, but the school did as well.

Formal institutional requirements.

5

这部电影不但剧情感人，而且音乐也很好听。

This movie's plot is not only touching, but the music is also great.

Artistic critique.

6

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 as well.

Societal/Generational progression.

7

他不但赢得了比赛，而且打破了世界纪录。

He not only won the race, but also broke the world record.

High-level achievement progression.

8

这次旅行不但让我放松了，而且让我学到了很多。

This trip not only relaxed me, but also taught me a lot.

Personal growth context.

1

这种新药不但见效快，而且副作用非常小。

This new medicine not only works quickly, but also has very small side effects.

Scientific/Medical context.

2

不但政府在努力，而且民间组织也在积极行动。

Not only is the government working hard, but non-governmental organizations are also taking active steps.

Political/Social discourse.

3

他不但精通多国语言，而且对各国文化也有深入研究。

He is not only proficient in multiple languages, but also has in-depth research into various cultures.

Academic/Professional description.

4

不但我们要关注经济增长，而且更要关注环境保护。

Not only should we focus on economic growth, but we should focus even more on environmental protection.

Using '更' for heightened emphasis.

5

这种产品不但设计时尚，而且功能非常强大。

This product not only has a stylish design, but its functions are also very powerful.

Marketing/Product review.

6

不但他没有被困难吓倒，而且反而变得更加坚强了。

Not only was he not intimidated by the difficulties, but on the contrary, he became even stronger.

Using '反而' for reversal/contrast.

7

不但这里的交通很方便，而且生活设施也非常齐全。

Not only is the transportation here convenient, but the living facilities are also very complete.

Urban planning/Real estate.

8

这个决定不但关系到公司的利益，而且关系到员工的前途。

This decision not only concerns the company's interests, but also the employees' futures.

Strategic importance.

1

不但这种艺术形式在民间广为流传，而且也得到了官方的高度认可。

Not only is this art form widely circulated among the people, but it has also received high official recognition.

Formal cultural analysis.

2

他不但具备深厚的理论功底，而且拥有丰富的实践经验。

He not only possesses a profound theoretical foundation, but also has rich practical experience.

High-level professional appraisal.

3

不但我们要反思过去，而且更要展望未来。

Not only must we reflect on the past, but even more so, we must look forward to the future.

Philosophical/Rhetorical progression.

4

这项政策不但缓解了当前的危机，而且为长远发展奠定了基础。

This policy not only alleviated the current crisis, but also laid the foundation for long-term development.

Macroeconomic/Political analysis.

5

不但他在文学领域造诣颇深，而且在绘画方面也独树一帜。

Not only does he have deep achievements in the field of literature, but he is also unique in the aspect of painting.

Literary/Artistic description.

6

不但这种现象在城市中屡见不鲜，而且在农村也日益普遍。

Not only is this phenomenon common in cities, but it is also increasingly prevalent in rural areas.

Sociological observation.

7

不但他的言论引起了广泛争议，而且他的行为也遭到了严厉批评。

Not only did his remarks cause widespread controversy, but his actions also met with severe criticism.

Critical journalistic tone.

8

不但我们要追求物质文明，而且更要追求精神文明。

Not only should we pursue material civilization, but even more so, we should pursue spiritual civilization.

Ideological/Philosophical discourse.

1

不但该理论在逻辑上无懈可击，而且在实证研究中也得到了完美验证。

Not only is the theory logically impeccable, but it has also been perfectly validated in empirical research.

Academic/Scientific excellence.

2

不但这种体制在当时起到了积极作用，而且对后世也产生了深远影响。

Not only did this system play a positive role at the time, but it also had a profound impact on future generations.

Historical/Institutional analysis.

3

不但他以其高尚的人格魅力征服了对手，而且以其卓越的才华赢得了世人的尊敬。

Not only did he conquer his opponents with his noble personal charm, but he also won the respect of the world with his outstanding talent.

Elevated biographical praise.

4

不但我们要勇于面对现实的挑战，而且要敢于突破传统的束缚。

Not only must we have the courage to face the challenges of reality, but we must also dare to break through the shackles of tradition.

Rhetorical/Inspirational call to action.

5

不但这种技术在工业生产中不可或缺，而且在日常生活中也无处不在。

Not only is this technology indispensable in industrial production, but it is also ubiquitous in daily life.

Technological ubiquity.

6

不但他的作品具有极高的审美价值，而且蕴含着深刻的哲学思考。

Not only do his works have extremely high aesthetic value, but they also contain profound philosophical reflections.

Aesthetic/Philosophical critique.

7

不但我们要维护国家的安全利益，而且要致力于构建人类命运共同体。

Not only must we safeguard the national security interests, but we must also commit to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

High-level diplomatic/Political rhetoric.

8

不但这种自然景观令人叹为观止，而且其背后的地质演变史也极具研究价值。

Not only is this natural landscape breathtaking, but the history of geological evolution behind it is also of great research value.

Scientific/Descriptive excellence.

Common Collocations

不但聪明而且努力
不但漂亮而且大方
不但好吃而且便宜
不但有用而且有趣
不但快而且稳
不但多而且精
不但能说而且能干
不但会写而且会画
不但健康而且快乐
不但方便而且安全

Common Phrases

不但如此

不但没有

不但不听

不但不改

不但不怕

不但不帮

不但不给

不但不看

不但不问

不但不笑

Often Confused With

不但...而且 vs 除了...还

Means 'besides', focus on listing; 不但 focus on progression.

不但...而且 vs 既...又

Means 'both... and', focus on simultaneous traits; 不但 focus on progression.

不但...而且 vs 虽然...但是

Means 'although', focus on contrast; 不但 focus on addition.

Idioms & Expressions

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Easily Confused

不但...而且 vs

不但...而且 vs

不但...而且 vs

不但...而且 vs

不但...而且 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

Tone

Can be used for both positive and negative attributes.

Logic

The two clauses must be related in theme.

Emphasis

The second clause is the focus.

Common Mistakes
  • Subject placement (Different subjects)
  • Using '但是' instead of '而且'
  • No progression in logic
  • Omitting the second part of the pair
  • Using it for mutually exclusive options

Tips

Subject Rule

Same subject? S + 不但. Different subjects? 不但 + S1.

Formal Writing

Use 不仅 instead of 不但 for a more academic tone.

Casual Flow

In daily talk, '而且还' is very common and sounds natural.

Progression

Make sure the second point is 'stronger' than the first.

Signal Word

When you hear '不但', prepare for a 'bonus' piece of info.

Synonyms

Learn '不光' for very informal, northern-style speech.

No Contrast

Don't use it for opposites; use '虽然...但是' for that.

Reversal

Try '不但不...反而' to show something happened contrary to expectations.

Compliments

Use this structure to give high-quality, multi-layered praise.

Daily Life

Try to describe three things you did today using this structure.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

When praising someone, using this structure makes the compliment feel more thorough and sincere.

Chinese teachers often use this to encourage students: 'You not only did the homework but also did it perfectly.'

It is the most common structure used in Chinese 'infomercials' and product descriptions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这个城市不但漂亮，而且怎么样？"

"你不但喜欢学中文，而且还喜欢什么？"

"那家餐厅不但菜好吃，而且贵吗？"

"不但你会开车，而且你家里谁也会？"

"你觉得不但要工作，而且还要做什么？"

Journal Prompts

写写你的一个朋友，他不但...而且...

描述你最喜欢的食物，它不但...而且...

说说学习中文的处，不但...而且...

写写你家乡的天气，不但...而且...

描述一个你崇拜的人，他不但...而且...

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. You need a second conjunction like '也' or '还' to complete the logic.

'不仅' is more formal and used more in writing.

Yes, e.g., 'He is not only lazy but also rude.'

Only if the subject is the same for both clauses.

No, '但是' means 'but' (contrast), while '不但' requires an additive conjunction.

In casual speech, you can omit '而且' and just use '还'.

Yes, but you usually use '不但...而且...甚至...' (not only... but also... even...).

Only if the two clauses have different subjects.

Yes, e.g., 'Is he not only smart but also rich?'

Putting the subject in the wrong place when the subjects are different.

Test Yourself 180 questions

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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