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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "not only … but also" with 不仅…而且 (bùjǐn…érqiě)

    HSK 4
    Connecting Ideas
    Emphasis

    Structure

    不仅 + A，而且 + B

    Explanation

    不仅…而且… means "not only … but also …" and is used to add emphasis by presenting two related points where the second builds on or exceeds the first. It is common in both spoken and written Chinese. For example, 她不仅聪明，而且很努力 means "she is not only smart but also very hardworking."

    Examples

    • 她不仅成绩好，而且人缘也很好。

      Tā bùjǐn chéngjì hǎo, érqiě rényuán yě hěn hǎo.

      She not only has good grades, but is also very popular.

    • 这道菜不仅好看，而且味道也不错。

      Zhè dào cài bùjǐn hǎokàn, érqiě wèidào yě búcuò.

      This dish not only looks good, but also tastes great.

    • 他不仅会弹吉他，而且唱歌也很好听。

      Tā bùjǐn huì tán jítā, érqiě chànggē yě hěn hǎotīng.

      He not only plays guitar, but also sings beautifully.

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    Expressing "not only … but also" with 不仅…而且 (bùjǐn…érqiě) | Chinese Grammar