不仅
Traditional: 不僅
bù jǐn HSK 4

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

他不仅会说英语。
Tā bùjǐn huì shuō Yīngyǔ.
He can not only speak English.
她不仅漂亮,而且聪明。
Tā bùjǐn piàoliang, érqiě cōngmíng.
She is not only beautiful, but also smart.
这不仅是一本书。
Zhè bùjǐn shì yī běn shū.
This is not only a book.
他不仅高。
Tā bùjǐn gāo.
He is not only tall.
她不仅漂亮。
Tā bùjǐn piàoliang.
She is not only pretty.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 不仅 as 'not just'—break it down: 不 (bù) means 'not,' and 仅 (jǐn) means 'only' or 'just.' Remember it by linking it to the English phrase 'not only,' and note that it usually needs a partner like 还 to complete the sentence, similar to 'not only... but also.'

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, as well as in spoken and written Chinese. It is commonly found in descriptive or explanatory sentences to list reasons, qualities, or actions, such as in academic writing, speeches, or everyday conversation.

📖 Grammar Points

不仅 is used in correlative conjunction structures, such as '不仅...还...' (not only... but also...) or '不仅...也...' (not only... but also...). The word order is fixed: 不仅 introduces the first clause, and the paired conjunction introduces the second clause to complete the comparison or addition.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese communication, using 不仅 to list positive traits or actions can convey respect or appreciation, as it emphasizes multiple contributions or qualities. It is often used in compliments or formal acknowledgments to show thoroughness.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 不但 (bùdàn), which also means 'not only,' but 不仅 is slightly more formal and literary. Both are often interchangeable, but 不仅 can sound more polished in written contexts, while 不但 is very common in speech.

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