not only; not just
HSK level
不仅 is written with 8 strokes (不: 4, 仅: 4). The animation replays automatically.
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, so it suits writing, formal remarks, and newspaper prose.
Note: Slightly more formal and written than 不但; common in essays, articles, and considered speech. Same 'not only… but also' structure.
Character by character
Memory hook: 'Not' (不) 'only' (仅) — there's more than just this one thing.
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
不但 is the everyday, more conversational equivalent; 不仅 is a shade more formal and written. Both open the 'not only… but also' structure and take a second connector like 而且. Choose 不但 in casual speech, 不仅 in writing.
不光 is the most colloquial of the family, common in relaxed northern speech. 不仅 is the most formal. All three mean 'not only,' differing mainly in register: 不光 (casual) < 不但 (neutral) < 不仅 (formal).
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.
Acquire it by listening
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