X 不只是 ... 也是 ...
Reach for this when you want to say something is more than just one thing — 'not only X but also Y.' The pattern names a first identity, then adds a second that's equal or more important. Common in introductions, descriptions, and arguments where you want to deepen the listener's understanding ('she's not just a teacher, she's also a friend'). Neutral register — works in essays, speeches, and thoughtful conversation. Use it when the second clause adds dimension, not just a list item.
Structure
X + 不只是 + Noun1, + 也是 + Noun2.
bù zhǐ shì... yě shì...
How to Think About It
Think of it as a two-beat introduction: beat one undersells, beat two reveals the bigger picture. 不只是 means 'isn't only,' 也是 means 'is also.' Unlike 不仅...还..., which can connect verbs and adjectives, this pattern is for IDENTITIES and NOUN labels: roles, categories, descriptions. The structure pushes the listener to upgrade their first impression.
Examples
他不只是一位老师，也是一位作家。
Tā bù zhǐ shì yī wèi lǎoshī, yě shì yī wèi zuòjiā.
He's not just a teacher, he's also a writer.
上海不只是一个城市，也是一个文化中心。
Shànghǎi bù zhǐ shì yī gè chéngshì, yě shì yī gè wénhuà zhōngxīn.
Shanghai isn't just a city — it's also a cultural center.
中文不只是一门语言，也是一种思维方式。
Zhōngwén bù zhǐ shì yī mén yǔyán, yě shì yī zhǒng sīwéi fāngshì.
Chinese isn't just a language; it's also a way of thinking.
Common Mistake
Learners write 不只是 X, 还是 Y. 还是 means 'or still' — wrong word. The pair is 不只是 ... 也是 (and sometimes 还是 only in the literary 不只是...还是... which is rare). Stick with 也是.
她不只是我的老师，还是我的朋友。
她不只是我的老师，也是我的朋友。
Don't Confuse With
不仅...还/而且...
Broader — connects verbs, adjectives, or whole clauses, not just noun identities. Use 不仅 for 'not only does she teach, she also writes.'
又是...又是...
'Both X and Y' — two facts at once, neutral weight. 不只是...也是 implies upgrade or surprise; 又是 just lists.
不但...而且...
Formal written equivalent of 不仅...而且. Use in essays. 不只是...也是 sounds more spoken and identity-focused.
Practice
Fill in: 他____我的同事，____我的好朋友。
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不只是 / 也是
Arrange: 也是 / 一位 / 老师 / 一位 / 不只是 / 她 / 作家
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她不只是一位老师，也是一位作家。
Translate to Chinese: Beijing is not just a city, it's also a capital.
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北京不只是一个城市，也是一个首都。
Use 不只是...也是... to describe a person with two identities.
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我妈妈不只是我的妈妈，也是我最好的朋友。
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 1 Fluentide episode: