不仅仅

• Pinyin: bù jǐn jǐn
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = negation; 仅 = 亻(person) + 又, only/merely (reduplicated for emphasis)

Meaning

Not merely; not just; not only. An emphatic form indicating something goes beyond what's mentioned.

An intensified version of 不仅, emphasizing that something extends well beyond the stated scope. Often paired with 而且 or 还 to introduce what else is included. Used when the speaker wants to stress that the full picture is much bigger than the initial statement.

Examples

1. 这不仅仅是一场比赛，更是对意志力的考验。 This is not merely a competition, but also a test of willpower.
2. 他的成功不仅仅靠天赋，还有多年的努力。 His success relies not just on talent, but also on years of effort.
3. 这个问题不仅仅影响个人，还关系到整个社会。 This issue affects not just individuals, but is also relevant to the entire society.

Usage Guide

Context: emphasis, argumentation, explanation

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 这不仅仅是钱的问题，更是原则问题。(This is not merely a matter of money, but a matter of principle.)
• 教育不仅仅是传授知识。(Education is not just about imparting knowledge.)

Don't Say

• 不要过度使用'不仅仅'来强调 (Don't overuse 不仅仅 for emphasis — reserve it for when you truly want to stress that something goes far beyond expectations)

Origin & History

Emphatic reduplication of 不仅 (not only). The doubled 仅仅 intensifies the meaning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal