～だけで(は)なく～(も) (not only... but also)

• Reading: だけではなく
• Romaji: dake de (wa) naku
• Formation: X + だけで(は)なく + Y + (も) / Verb (plain form) + だけでなく / Noun + だけでなく

Meaning

A compound expression meaning 'not only X but also Y.' It connects two elements to indicate that X alone does not exhaust the relevant scope — Y is also included.

だけでなく links two parallel elements, emphasizing that the scope extends beyond the first item. The は in だけではなく is optional and adds a slightly more formal or emphatic tone. The も following the second element is often present to complete the 'also' meaning but may be omitted in casual speech. This pattern is similar to ばかりでなく and のみならず, with のみならず being the most formal. X and Y can be nouns, verbs, or adjectives, and the two elements should be grammatically parallel. In writing, だけでなく tends to appear in expository or argumentative contexts.

Examples

1. 彼は英語だけでなく中国語も話せる。 He can speak not only English but also Chinese.
2. この店は安いだけでなく料理もおいしい。 This restaurant is not only cheap but the food is also delicious.
3. 勉強だけではなくスポーツも大切だ。 Not only studying but sports are also important.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 東京だけでなく大阪にも行きたいです。
• 見た目だけではなく味も素晴らしい。
• 子供だけでなく大人も楽しめる映画です。

Don't Say

• 英語だけでなく中国語が話せる。(The second element needs も to complete the 'also' meaning) → 英語だけでなく中国語も話せる。
• 安いだけなく料理もおいしい。(だけ requires で before なく — だけでなく is the correct form) → 安いだけでなく料理もおいしい。

Origin & History

A compound construction combining the limiting particle だけ, the copula/particle で, and the negative form なく (from ない). The も particle completes the additive meaning. This pattern developed in modern Japanese.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal