How to use 不但；不仅；不只
不但 / 不仅 / 不只 + first point，而且 / 还 / 也 + additional point
不但, 不仅, and 不只 introduce a statement that the speaker intends to extend. The following clause adds another fact, often with 而且, 还, or 也. The second point may strengthen the first or simply broaden the description. English usually expresses the pair as not only but also, although natural translations need not repeat that full wording every time.
Keep the linked predicates parallel enough for the addition to be clear. With one shared subject, it commonly appears before the opening expression; when different subjects are contrasted, the sentence needs a structure that makes that change explicit. These linking words have overlapping uses, but their position and the sentence's rhythm still matter more than mechanical word substitution.
Examples with pinyin and English
我不只对排球感兴趣， 而且对足球也很感兴趣。
I am not only interested in volleyball, but also in soccer.
王师傅不但会开车， 还会修车。
Not only does Master Wang drive a car, he also repairs cars.
他不只会唱歌， 也会跳舞。
He can not only sing, but dance as well.
我们不仅完成了任务， 而且比规定日期提前了十天。
We not only completed the task, but we did so ten days ahead of schedule.
What to remember
- Use the opening expression to promise an addition.
- Keep the two points logically connected.
- Place subjects clearly when the participants change.
Practise the pattern
Practise this topic with the app’s grammar exercises. Your answers and review dates are saved separately from vocabulary practice.
Practise this grammar topic ↗Look up the grammar words
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.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.