不但 (búdàn) — not only

不但 (búdàn)

不但 means "not only" and always introduces the first of two additive clauses. It is nearly always paired with 而且 (érqiě — but also) or 还 (hái — also) in the second clause, forming the "not only X, but also Y" pattern.

Meanings

1. [conjunction] Not only (used with 而且 or 还 in the second clause).

Example Sentences

他不但聪明，而且很努力。 Tā búdàn cōngming, érqiě hěn nǔlì. He is not only smart but also very hardworking.

这家餐厅不但好吃，而且价格便宜。 Zhè jiā cāntīng búdàn hǎochī, érqiě jiàgé piányí. This restaurant is not only delicious but also affordable.

她不但会说中文，还会说日文。 Tā búdàn huì shuō Zhōngwén, hái huì shuō Rìwén. She can not only speak Chinese but also Japanese.

这个方法不但有效，而且简单易学。 Zhège fāngfǎ búdàn yǒuxiào, érqiě jiǎndān yì xué. This method is not only effective but also simple and easy to learn.

Collocations

Memory Hook

不 (not) plus 但 (only / merely). Canceling the "merely" — you are going beyond the mere minimum to add something even more.