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March 24, 2026
不但búdàn(bu2dan4)
不但 is a conjunction meaning 'not only... but also...' It is used to connect two clauses, emphasizing that the second clause adds more information or a stronger point related to the first. Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, it can highlight contrast or additional benefits.
Frequency#6339DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of reciprocity is important, and 不但 reflects this by emphasizing the addition of benefits or qualities, often seen in expressions of gratitude or compliments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pair of scales. On one side, you have 'not only' (不但) and on the other side, you have 'but also' (也). Visualizing the scales tipping towards the 'also' side helps you remember that 不但 sets up a comparison that goes beyond just one statement.
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AI Study Notes for 不但
Quick Contrast
不仅 (bùjǐn) - use 不但 when emphasizing the addition of information in a more formal context; 不仅 is slightly more casual and often used interchangeably.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a pair of scales. On one side, you have 'not only' (不但) and on the other side, you have 'but also' (也). Visualizing the scales tipping towards the 'also' side helps you remember that 不但 sets up a comparison that goes beyond just one statement.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 不但 with 只有 (only). 不但 is always followed by 也 (also) in complete sentences, so remember to use both in tandem for correct structure. It is versatile in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 不但 is useful for expanding sentence complexity. Focus on constructing sentences that use 不但 with various verbs to practice its application. Pair it with other HSK 3 vocabulary to create more nuanced statements.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of reciprocity is important, and 不但 reflects this by emphasizing the addition of benefits or qualities, often seen in expressions of gratitude or compliments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often omit 也 when using 不但, leading to sentences like '不但他会游泳.' Instead, it should be '不但他会游泳, 而且他会打篮球.' Another common mistake is using 不但 without a second clause, which is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 不但
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Grammar Patterns of 不但
不但 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Sweating involves losses of electrolytes as well as water.
Cultural Notes for 不但
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of reciprocity is important, and 不但 reflects this by emphasizing the addition of benefits or qualities, often seen in expressions of gratitude or compliments.
Frequently Asked Questions about 不但
Yes, you can start a sentence with 不但, but it should be followed by a clause that completes the thought.
No, 不但 is used in both spoken and written Chinese, making it versatile for various contexts.
不但 means 'not only,' while 也 means 'also.' They are often used together to form a complete expression.
