不仅

bùjǐn

not just; not limited to

HSK 4

Character Breakdown

Usage of 不仅

不仅” is a common conjunction used to express that something is not limited to one aspect but includes others as well. It often appears at the beginning of the first clause and is usually paired with words like “”, “而且”, or “” in the second clause to emphasize additional information.

Common Collocations

  • 不仅......: emphasizes that not only one thing but also another happens.
  • 不仅...而且...: similar to the above, often used in formal or written contexts.
  • 不仅......: highlights inclusion of another subject or object.

Pragmatic Notes

Using 不仅 implies the speaker wants to highlight multiple positive or negative aspects, often to strengthen an argument or description. It is more formal than just using “” or “” alone.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 不仅 with (only) or (merely). 不仅 always introduces an expansion or addition, not limitation.

Position in Sentence

Typically, 不仅 appears at the start of the clause it modifies, followed by the subject or object, then the verb. The second clause usually contains , , or 而且 to connect the additional information.

Example Sentences

他不仅会说中文,还会说英语和法语。

Tā bù jǐn huì shuō Zhōngwén, hái huì shuō Yīngyǔ hé Fǎyǔ.

He not only speaks Chinese, but also English and French.

这本书不仅内容丰富,而且语言生动。

Zhè běn shū bù jǐn nèiróng fēngfù, érqiě yǔyán shēngdòng.

This book is not only rich in content but also vivid in language.

不仅学生,老师们也参加了这次活动。

Bù jǐn xuéshēng, lǎoshīmen yě cānjiāle zhè cì huódòng.

Not only the students, but the teachers also participated in this event.

这项政策不仅影响了经济,还改变了社会结构。

Zhè xiàng zhèngcè bù jǐn yǐngxiǎngle jīngjì, hái gǎibiànle shèhuì jiégòu.

This policy not only affected the economy but also changed the social

他不仅迟到了,还忘记带作业。

Tā bù jǐn chídàole, hái wàngjì dài zuòyè.

He not only arrived late but also forgot to bring his homework.