Meaning
不仅 is a conjunction that introduces the first part of a compound statement, indicating that what follows is only one aspect of a larger situation. It is almost always paired with 而且 (érqiě), 还 (hái), or 也 (yě) to complete the 'not only... but also...' structure. This construction emphasizes that there are multiple aspects or consequences to consider.
Usage
不仅 is common in both spoken and written Chinese, though it appears more frequently in formal contexts. The most standard pattern is '不仅...而且...' or '不仅...还...', where the second clause adds additional information that often intensifies or expands on the first. Native speakers use this to build emphasis and show progression in their arguments or descriptions.
Examples
- 01他不仅会说中文,而且还会说日语。, .He not only speaks Chinese, but also speaks Japanese.
- 02这本书不仅有趣,还很有教育意义。, .This book is not only interesting, but also very educational.
Characters
Common collocations
- 不仅...而且...... ...not only... but also...
- 不仅...还...... ...not only... but also...
- 不仅如此not only that, moreover
- 不仅仅是not merely, not just
Antonyms
Origin
不仅 literally means 'not only/merely,' combining the negative 不 with 仅 (only/just). The construction developed as a way to negate the limiting sense of 'only' to indicate there is more beyond what is initially stated.