How to use 不但…而且…
不但⋯⋯，而且⋯⋯
不但…而且… adds a second point that strengthens or extends the first. The points can describe qualities, actions, or whole situations. When one subject applies to both, it usually appears before 不但. The listener then understands the second predicate as describing the same person or thing without requiring the subject to be repeated.
When the subjects differ, 不但 normally precedes the first subject so the contrast covers the full clauses. 而且 introduces the additional point, though 也 or 还 often serves that role in conversational versions. Keep the two claims meaningfully related. The second part should extend the argument rather than contradict the first in a way that calls for a contrasting conjunction.
Examples with pinyin and English
这个东西不但贵， 而且难买。
This thing is not only expensive, but also hard to buy.
这道菜不但好看， 也好吃。
This dish is not only attractive, but also delicious.
她不但聪明， 而且很幽默。
She is not only smart, but also very humorous.
她不但离开了我， 还拿走了我所有的钱。
Not only did she leave me, but she also took all my money.
What to remember
- A shared subject often precedes 不但.
- With different subjects, 不但 precedes the first subject.
- 也 or 还 can introduce the additional point.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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