不但 búdàn not only
How to remember 不但: 不 not + 但 but = not only.
Characters
How it is used
- Sets up the pattern 不但 A，而且 B (búdàn A, érqiě B) not only A, but also B - 他不但会说英语，而且会说法语 (tā búdàn huì shuō Yīngyǔ, érqiě huì shuō Fǎyǔ) he speaks not only English but also French.
- The second clause often pairs with 而且, 还 (hái), or 也 (yě). Near-synonym 不仅 (bùjǐn) is more formal/written; 不但 is neutral and common in speech.
Example sentences
- 他不但聪明还很勤奋。 Tā búdàn cōngmíng hái hěn qínfèn.He is not only smart but also industrious.