不仅/不但/不只⋯⋯而且/还/也⋯⋯ (not only variants)

• Pinyin: bùjǐn, bùdàn, bùzhǐ
• Formation: Subj. + 不仅/不但/不只 + Clause 1，而且/还/也 + Clause 2
• Hanzi breakdown: 仅 = 亻(person) + 又 (again) — barely, merely; 只 = 口 (mouth) + 八 (divide) — only

Meaning

Chinese has several interchangeable pairs for expressing 'not only...but also.' The first clause can use 不仅, 不但, or 不只, while the second clause can use 而且, 还, or 也. These combinations create progressive statements with slight differences in formality.

不仅 is slightly more formal and common in written Chinese, 不但 is the most versatile and widely used in both speech and writing, and 不只 is more colloquial. For the second clause, 而且 is the most standard pairing, 还 adds a more casual feel and is common in spoken Chinese, and 也 provides a softer connection. The most formal combination is 不仅...而且, while 不只...还 is the most casual. All combinations follow the same structural rule: same subject goes before the first connector, different subjects go after. Learners should master 不但...而且 first and then learn to vary the alternatives for stylistic flexibility.

Examples

1. 他不仅是我的同事，也是我最好的朋友。 He is not only my colleague, but also my best friend.
2. 这个方法不只简单，还非常有效。 This method is not just simple — it's also very effective.
3. 她不但英语说得好，还会说三种其他语言。 She not only speaks English well, but can also speak three other languages.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: explanatory

Do Say

• 学外语不只要背单词，还要多练习对话。
• 这次旅行不仅让我放松了，也让我学到了很多。
• 运动不但能让身体健康，还能改善心情。

Don't Say

• 她不仅很努力，但是成绩也很好。(不仅 pairs with 而且, 还, or 也 — not 但是, which expresses contrast) → 她不仅很努力，而且成绩也很好。
• 不只他喜欢旅行，不只她也喜欢。(The second clause should use 而且, 还, or 也 — do not repeat 不只) → 不只他喜欢旅行，她也喜欢。

Origin & History

不仅 uses 仅 (merely/only), making it literally 'not merely.' 不只 uses 只 (only), meaning 'not just.' 不但 uses 但 (only/merely). All three negations of 'only' developed in parallel, with register differences solidifying over centuries of usage.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal