How do I express “not only… but also” in Mandarin?

Understanding the Structure: “Not Only… But Also” in Mandarin

The Basic Pattern

In Mandarin Chinese, the most common way to express “not only… but also” is through the pattern 不但…而且… (bùdàn… érqiě…). This structure allows you to connect two clauses or phrases, emphasizing that the second point adds to or strengthens the first.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• 不但 (bùdàn) means “not only”
• 而且 (érqiě) means “but also”

Example Sentences

Let’s look at how this pattern works in practice:

• 她不但会说中文，而且会说法语。
  Tā bùdàn huì shuō Zhōngwén, érqiě huì shuō Fǎyǔ.
  She can not only speak Chinese, but also French.
• 这个地方不但很漂亮，而且很安静。
  Zhège dìfang bùdàn hěn piàoliang, érqiě hěn ānjìng.
  This place is not only beautiful, but also very quiet.

Alternative Expressions

Other Common Patterns

Aside from 不但…而且…, Mandarin offers several other ways to convey “not only… but also,” depending on the context and tone:

• 不只…还… (bùzhǐ… hái…): “not only… but also…”
  Example: 他不只会画画，还会弹钢琴。
  Tā bùzhǐ huì huàhuà, hái huì tán gāngqín.
  He can not only draw, but also play the piano.
• 不仅…而且… (bùjǐn… érqiě…): “not only… but also…”
  Example: 这个问题不仅复杂，而且很重要。
  Zhège wèntí bùjǐn fùzá, érqiě hěn zhòngyào.
  This problem is not only complicated, but also very important.

Nuances and Usage Tips

While these patterns are quite similar, there are some subtle differences:

• 不但…而且… is the most formal and widely used in both spoken and written Chinese.
• 不仅…而且… can be used interchangeably with 不但…而且…, but it often appears in more formal or written contexts.
• 不只…还… is slightly more colloquial and often used in conversation.

How to Use These Structures Effectively

Word Order

In Chinese, the structure usually follows this order:

Subject + 不但/不只/不仅 + (Verb/Adjective) + 而且/还 + (Verb/Adjective)

Make sure the two parts you connect are parallel in meaning and grammatical structure. For example, both should be verbs, both should be adjectives, or both should be full clauses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t mix up the connectors. For instance, avoid using 不但…还… or 不只…而且…, as these are incorrect pairings.
• Ensure both parts of your sentence relate logically; the second part should add information rather than contradict the first.

Practice Makes Perfect

To internalize these structures, try making your own sentences using vocabulary you already know. Here are a few ideas:

• Write about your hobbies: 我不但喜欢游泳，而且喜欢跑步。
• Describe places: 那家餐厅不仅便宜，而且很干净。
• Talk about people: 我的朋友不只聪明，还很幽默。

Regular practice, especially with feedback from native speakers or language learning apps like Talkpal, will help you master these patterns.

Conclusion

Learning how to express “not only… but also” in Mandarin is a valuable skill that will enrich your communication and help you sound more natural in Chinese. Remember the main patterns—不但…而且…, 不仅…而且…, and 不只…还…—and practice them in context. With consistent effort and the right resources, such as those offered by Talkpal, you’ll be able to express complex ideas smoothly and confidently in Mandarin.