Not Only… But Also…
不仅/不光……，还/而且……
Express progressive emphasis using the not only…but also… pattern with its variations
This pattern emphasizes that something goes beyond expectation A and also includes B. The first clause states what is already known or expected, and the second clause adds something more, creating a progressive or emphatic effect.
不仅 is more formal; 不光 is more colloquial. 还 is more common in spoken Chinese; 而且 is slightly more formal. Common combinations: 不仅……还/也/而且……; 不光……还/也/而且……. When subjects differ, the subject goes after 不仅/不光.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Not Only… But Also… (不仅/不光……，还/而且……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 不仅/不光……，还/而且…… pattern
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Understanding 不仅/不光……，还/而且……
The 不仅……还/而且…… pattern is one of the most important progressive structures in Chinese. It works exactly like "not only… but also…" in English, and it is used constantly in both spoken and written Chinese. The first part (after 不仅 or 不光) states something that is already impressive or noteworthy, and the second part (after 还 or 而且) adds something that goes even further. For example, "He not only speaks Chinese, but also speaks Japanese" — the second skill adds to the impressiveness of the first. There are several interchangeable variations: 不仅 is more formal while 不光 is casual; 还 is everyday while 而且 is slightly more formal. When both clauses share the same subject, the subject goes before 不仅. When the subjects are different, each subject appears after its respective connector.
Key Points
- 不仅/不光 A，还/而且 B — B goes beyond A in emphasis or scope.
- 不仅 is formal; 不光 is colloquial. Both mean "not only."
- 还 and 而且 both mean "but also" — 还 is more spoken, 而且 more written.
- Same subject: subject + 不仅 A，还 B. Different subjects: 不仅 + subject1 + A，subject2 + 还 + B.
- The B clause should represent something equal to or more impressive than A.
- Can combine with 也: 不仅……也…… as another variation.
Chinese speakers use this pattern generously in praise and compliments. Saying someone 不仅聪明，而且很努力 (not only smart but also hardworking) is a powerful compliment that acknowledges multiple virtues. It is also common in advertising to stack product benefits.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
那个地方我不仅去过，还去过好几次呢。
I have not only been to that place — I have been there several times.
Same subject — 我 before 不仅
不光我会说中文，而且我姐姐也会说中文。
Not only can I speak Chinese, but my older sister can also speak Chinese.
Different subjects — each after the connector
她不仅学习好，而且体育也很好。
She not only does well academically, but is also good at sports.
这家餐厅不光菜好吃，服务也很好。
This restaurant not only has delicious food, but also has great service.
他不仅会弹钢琴，还会拉小提琴。
He not only can play the piano, but can also play the violin.
不仅孩子们喜欢这个电影，大人也很喜欢。
Not only do children like this movie, but adults also like it a lot.
学中文不光可以了解中国文化，而且对工作也有帮助。
Learning Chinese can not only help you understand Chinese culture, but is also useful for work.
不仅价格合理，质量也非常好。
Not only is the price reasonable, but the quality is also excellent.
Common Mistakes
Do not repeat 不仅. The second clause uses 还, 也, or 而且.
When subjects differ, the second subject goes before 也/还, not after 还.
The B clause should match or exceed A in tone. Pairing a positive with a negative sounds contradictory for this progressive pattern.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 不光 with friends and 不仅 in essays — they mean the same thing but differ in formality.
When subjects are different, remember: 不仅 + subject1 + A，subject2 + 也/还 + B.
The B part should match or exceed A in importance — think "what is more impressive" for B.
This is one of the most-tested grammar patterns on HSK exams — practice it thoroughly!
Homework
Write eight sentences using 不仅/不光……还/而且/也……. Use at least three different connector combinations. Include three with the same subject and three with different subjects. Topics: talents, food, travel destinations, and school/work.