Understanding the Meaning of だけでなく
The phrase だけでなく (dake de naku) translates to “not only…” in English and is used to connect two related ideas, emphasizing that something is not limited to just one aspect. It is often paired with も (mo), which means “also” or “too,” to fully express “not only… but also…” in Japanese. This construction allows you to convey additional information and show that there are multiple facets or examples related to your topic.
Basic Structure of だけでなく
The basic structure for using だけでなく is as follows:
- Noun + だけでなく + noun + も
- Verb (plain form) + だけでなく + verb + も
- Adjective + だけでなく + adjective + も
Let’s look at how this grammar point is formed with different parts of speech:
With Nouns
Example:
彼は英語だけでなく、フランス語も話せます。
(Kare wa eigo dake de naku, furansugo mo hanasemasu.)
He can speak not only English but also French.
With Verbs
Example:
この映画は見るだけでなく、感じることも大切です。
(Kono eiga wa miru dake de naku, kanjiru koto mo taisetsu desu.)
With this movie, it’s important not only to watch, but also to feel.
With Adjectives
Example:
彼女は親切なだけでなく、頭もいいです。
(Kanojo wa shinsetsu na dake de naku, atama mo ii desu.)
She is not only kind, but also smart.
How to Use だけでなく in Sentences
To use だけでなく properly, follow these simple steps:
- Identify the first thing you want to say “not only” about.
- Attach だけでなく directly to it (no additional particles needed).
- Add the second thing you want to emphasize, followed by も (also).
This structure helps clarify that your statement covers more than one point or example.
More Example Sentences
- このレストランは味だけでなく、サービスも素晴らしいです。
(Kono resutoran wa aji dake de naku, saabisu mo subarashii desu.)
This restaurant is not only delicious, but the service is also excellent. - 日本語だけでなく、中国語も勉強しています。
(Nihongo dake de naku, Chuugokugo mo benkyou shiteimasu.)
I’m studying not only Japanese, but also Chinese.
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Do not add the particle の after nouns. For example, say 学生だけでなく, not 学生のだけでなく.
- Remember to use も after the second item to complete the “not only… but also…” meaning.
- Keep your sentence balanced. Both parts should be similar in grammatical structure for smooth and natural Japanese.
Practice Makes Perfect
Using だけでなく is a great way to make your Japanese sentences richer and more complex. To get comfortable with this grammar point, try making your own example sentences or practicing with friends or language partners. Online tools and platforms like Talkpal can help you practice in real conversation scenarios, giving you the confidence to use だけでなく naturally.
Conclusion
Mastering だけでなく is a key step towards sounding more fluent and sophisticated in Japanese. By practicing this grammar pattern, you’ll be able to connect ideas more effectively and express yourself with greater nuance. Keep experimenting with sentences, and use resources like Talkpal to reinforce your learning. Soon, you’ll find だけでなく becoming a natural part of your Japanese conversations!
