不但不…反而…
HSK 4- Conjunctions
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Expresses that the result is not only not as expected but is completely the opposite.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This structure expresses a situation that not only fails to unfold as expected, but actually produces a completely opposite result. The first clause uses 不但不 to negate what should have happened. The second clause uses 反而 to introduce an unexpected outcome that is entirely contrary. It emphasizes a strong contrast between expectation and reality.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 吃了药不但没好，反而更严重了。繁: 吃了藥不但沒好，反而更嚴重了。Chī le yào bùdàn méi hǎo, fǎn'ér gèng yánzhòng le.
After taking the medicine, not only did it not get better, but it became even more serious.
- 下雨后不但不凉快，反而更热了。繁: 下雨後不但不涼快，反而更熱了。Xià yǔ hòu bùdàn bù liángkuai, fǎn'ér gèng rè le.
After the rain, it was not only not cool but even hotter.
- 他不但不感谢我，反而骂我。繁: 他不但不感謝我，反而罵我。Tā bùdàn bù gǎnxiè wǒ, fǎn'ér mà wǒ.
He not only failed to thank me, but instead cursed at me.
- 这么做不但没解决问题，反而更麻烦了。繁: 這麼做不但沒解決問題，反而更麻煩了。Zhème zuò bùdàn méi jiějué wèntí, fǎn'ér gèng máfan le.
This approach not only fails to solve the problem but makes it even more troublesome.
- 他不但不承认错误，反而指责别人。繁: 他不但不承認錯誤，反而指責別人。Tā bùdàn bù chéngrèn cuòwù, fǎn'ér zhǐzé biérén.
He not only refused to admit his mistake, but instead blamed others.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他不但不吃饭，反而不喝水。Correct:他不但不吃饭，而且也不喝水。
反而 is used for contrary results, not for listing two parallel negative matters; use 而且 in this case instead.
- Wrong:他不但帮助我，反而骂我。Correct:他不但不帮助我，反而骂我。
The fixed structure `不但不...` is used to negate an expected action, then present a contrasting action instead.