不仅
not only; not just
bùjǐn
What does 不仅 mean?
不仅 (bùjǐn) is a conjunction meaning 'not only / not just,' the opening half of the 'not only A but also B' pattern, and a slightly more formal, written-leaning sibling of 不但. It usually pairs with a second connector — 而且, 还, 也, or 并且 — to complete the escalation: 他不仅聪明，而且很努力 (he is not only smart but also hardworking). As with 不但, placement depends on the subject: after the subject when both clauses share it, before the subject when the two clauses differ.
English speakers should note 不仅 can also directly precede 是 to mean 'not merely': 这不仅是钱的问题 (this isn't just a matter of money). Its register is a touch more elevated than 不但
Character breakdown
not
only; merely; barely
Memory hook: 'Not' (不) 'only' (仅) — there's more than just this one thing.
Example sentences
他不仅会英文，还会中文。
Tā bùjǐn huì Yīngwén, hái huì Zhōngwén.
He knows not only English but also Chinese.
neutral
这个方法不仅简单，而且很有效。
Zhège fāngfǎ bùjǐn jiǎndān, érqiě hěn yǒuxiào.
This method is not only simple but also very effective.
written
这不仅是我一个人的问题。
Zhè bùjǐn shì wǒ yí ge rén de wèntí.
This isn't just my problem alone.
neutral
他很成功，不仅如此，还很谦虚。
Tā hěn chénggōng, bùjǐn rúcǐ, hái hěn qiānxū.
He is very successful; not only that, he's also modest.
written
Common phrases with 不仅
Synonyms
Don't confuse 不仅 with
Near-identical in use; the difference is register (不仅 more formal/written, 不但 more everyday). Both need a second connector such as 而且. Learners can pick either, matching the formality of the context.
仅仅 means 'only / merely' and limits something (仅仅一天 = only one day). 不仅 negates that limit to mean 'not only.' 仅仅 narrows; 不仅 opens up to add more.
FAQ
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