不但

• Pinyin: bù dàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 (bù) — not; 但 (dàn) — only, merely, but

Meaning

Not only. A conjunction always paired with 而且, 也, or 还 in the second clause.

Used to introduce the first clause of a correlative structure meaning 'not only... but also...' Standard grammar pattern in both spoken and written Chinese.

Examples

1. 他不但会说中文，而且还会说日文。 He can not only speak Chinese but also Japanese.
2. 这道菜不但好看，而且非常好吃。 This dish is not only beautiful to look at but also extremely delicious.
3. 她不但学习努力，也很乐于助人。 She is not only hardworking in her studies but also very willing to help others.

Usage Guide

Context: emphasis, descriptions, compliments, writing

Tone: emphatic, additive

Do Say

• 他不但聪明，而且很勤奋。(He is not only smart but also very hardworking.)
• 这里不但安静，也很干净。(This place is not only quiet but also very clean.)

Don't Say

• Avoid using 不但 without a paired conjunction in the second clause — the structure requires 而且, 也, or 还 to complete the 'not only... but also' pattern.

Origin & History

Classical Chinese construction using 不 (bù, not) + 但 (dàn, only/but). The pattern 不但…而且 is a standard correlative conjunction structure.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal