Meanings of 不但
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Podcast: 不但
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AI Study Notes for 不但
不仅 (bùjǐn) - use 不但 when emphasizing the addition of information in a more formal context; 不仅 is slightly more casual and often used interchangeably.
Be careful not to confuse 不但 with 只有 (only). 不但 is always followed by 也 (also) in complete sentences, so remember to use both in tandem for correct structure. It is versatile in both formal and informal contexts.
As an HSK Level 3 word, 不但 is useful for expanding sentence complexity. Focus on constructing sentences that use 不但 with various verbs to practice its application. Pair it with other HSK 3 vocabulary to create more nuanced statements.
Learners often omit 也 when using 不但, leading to sentences like '不但他会游泳.' Instead, it should be '不但他会游泳, 而且他会打篮球.' Another common mistake is using 不但 without a second clause, which is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 不但
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Component Characters
How to say not only (... but also...) in Chinese
“not only (... but also...)” in Chinese is不但
不但 is a conjunction meaning 'not only... but also...' It is used to connect two clauses, emphasizing that the second clause adds more information or a stronger point related to the first. Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, it can highlight contrast or additional benefits.
When to use 不但
Be careful not to confuse 不但 with 只有 (only). 不但 is always followed by 也 (also) in complete sentences, so remember to use both in tandem for correct structure. It is versatile in both formal and informal contexts.
不但 or something close to it
不仅 (bùjǐn) - use 不但 when emphasizing the addition of information in a more formal context; 不仅 is slightly more casual and often used interchangeably.
What learners get wrong
Learners often omit 也 when using 不但, leading to sentences like '不但他会游泳.' Instead, it should be '不但他会游泳, 而且他会打篮球.' Another common mistake is using 不但 without a second clause, which is incorrect.
Write 不但
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Practice writing 不但 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 不但
不但 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
风____没停，反而越来越大。
The wind not only didn't stop, but instead got stronger and stronger.
Example Sentences for 不但 (6)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 不但
Yes, you can start a sentence with 不但, but it should be followed by a clause that completes the thought.
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