～のみならず

Japanese Grammar Advanced Japanese ★★★ 3/5 formal のみならずnomi narazu
Reading のみならず
Romaji nomi narazu
Formation Noun + のみならず / Verb (plain form) + のみならず / い-Adj + のみならず / な-Adj + である + のみならず

Meaning

A formal expression meaning 'not only... but also.' It is used in writing and formal speech to indicate that something extends beyond one scope to include additional elements.

のみならず is the formal equivalent of だけでなく. It combines のみ (only) with ならず (the classical negative of なる, meaning 'not being limited to'). The pattern is characteristic of academic writing, news reports, official documents, and formal speeches. It can follow nouns, verbs, and adjectives in their plain forms. The second clause typically contains も, さらに, or other additive expressions. While だけでなく is appropriate in everyday conversation, using のみならず in casual speech sounds stiff and unnatural. Learners should reserve this pattern for written compositions, presentations, and formal contexts. It is sometimes paired with ばかりか for even stronger emphasis in layered arguments.

Examples

  1. この政策は経済のみならず、社会全体に深刻な影響を及ぼしている。 This policy is having a serious impact not only on the economy but on society as a whole.
  2. 彼の研究は国内のみならず、海外でも高く評価されている。 His research is highly regarded not only domestically but also internationally.
  3. 環境問題は先進国のみならず、発展途上国にとっても喫緊の課題だ。 Environmental issues are an urgent challenge not only for developed nations but also for developing countries.

Usage Guide

Context: written, academic, news, formal speech

Tone: objective

Do Say

  • 人口減少は地方のみならず、都市部でも深刻化しつつある。
  • この発見は医学のみならず、生物学全般に革新をもたらした。
  • 顧客満足度のみならず、従業員の働きがいも重視すべきだ。

Don't Say

  • 昨日は雨のみならず、風も強かったね。(Using のみならず in casual conversation — this pattern is too formal for everyday chat; use だけでなく or だけじゃなく) → 昨日は雨だけでなく、風も強かったね。
  • ラーメンのみならずギョーザも食べた。(Applying のみならず to trivial daily matters — the formality of のみならず sounds awkward when describing casual actions like eating) → ラーメンだけでなくギョーザも食べた。

Origin & History

Composed of のみ (classical particle meaning 'only') and ならず (classical negative form of なり, 'to be'). Literally 'it is not only,' this construction has been preserved from classical Japanese and remains productive in modern formal registers.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Related Phrases

～だけ (extent) A particle meaning 'to the extent that someone can or wants to do something.' It expresses the idea of doing something as much as possible or to the fullest degree allowed. ～だけあって A phrase meaning 'as one would expect' or 'for good reason.' It indicates that a positive result or quality is natural given the background or effort involved. ～だけに A phrase carrying the idea 'precisely because' or 'as one would expect.' It highlights that a result — whether positive or negative — is particularly noteworthy given the circumstances. ～だけのことはある A phrase expressing an evaluative comment that something lives up to its reputation or that the effort, cost, or background has been worthwhile. It means 'it is worth the fact that' or 'it justifies the fact that.' ～ならでは（の） A phrase meaning 'unique to,' 'only possible with,' or 'impossible if not for.' It highlights something as a distinctive quality or experience exclusive to a particular person, place, or thing. ～はいいとしても A phrase conveying 'even if we accept X, Y is still a problem.' It concedes one point while drawing attention to a more significant concern or objection. ～はおろか A phrase meaning 'let alone,' 'not to mention,' or 'far from.' It states that not only is a more expected thing true, but even a less expected thing is also true. ～は別として A phrase meaning 'setting aside' or 'apart from.' It is used to exclude or bracket one item or issue so the speaker can focus on the main point.
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