不但…而且…
HSK 3- Conjunctions
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 不但…而且… is used to express a progressive or additive meaning, equivalent to 'not only… but also…'.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
Used to connect two clauses in a progressive relationship, where the second clause adds a deeper layer of meaning to the first. Translated as 'not only... but also...'.
When both clauses share the same subject, the subject is placed before 不但. When the two clauses have different subjects, 不但 is placed before the first subject and 而且 before the second subject.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他不但帅，而且很聪明。繁: 他不但帥，而且很聰明。Tā bùdàn shuài, érqiě hěn cōngmíng.
He is not only handsome but also very intelligent.
- 她不但会唱歌，而且会跳舞。繁: 她不但會唱歌，而且會跳舞。Tā bùdàn huì chànggē, érqiě huì tiàowǔ.
She can not only sing but also dance.
- 这个菜不但好吃，而且很便宜。繁: 這個菜不但好吃，而且很便宜。Zhège cài bùdàn hǎochī, érqiě hěn piányi.
This dish is not only delicious but also very cheap.
- 不但我会说中文，而且我弟弟也会。繁: 不但我會說中文，而且我弟弟也會。Bùdàn wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén, érqiě wǒ dìdi yě huì.
Not only do I know how to speak Chinese, but my younger brother does too.
- 他不但学习好，而且还乐于助人。繁: 他不但學習好，而且還樂於助人。Tā bùdàn xuéxí hǎo, érqiě hái lèyú zhùrén.
He not only studies well but is also willing to help others.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我不但喜欢他，而且他也喜欢我。Correct:不但我喜欢他，而且他也喜欢我。
When the two clauses have different subjects, 不但 must come before the first subject.
- Wrong:他不但会说中文，会说英文。Correct:他不但会说中文，而且会说英文。
This is a fixed structure; you cannot omit 而且 in the second clause.