Processing keyword: 不仅...还... (bùjǐn... hái...) - Not only... but also...

Mandarin Grammar Point: 不仅...还... (bùjǐn... hái...) - Not only... but also...

不仅...还... (bùjǐn... hái...) - Not only... but also...

1. Introduction

The structure 不仅...还... (bùjǐn... hái...) in Mandarin is used to express that something exceeds expectations or goes beyond a certain condition. It is often translated into English as "not only... but also..." This structure allows speakers to emphasize additional qualities or actions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure consists of two main parts:

1. 不仅 (bù jǐn) - “not only”
2. 还 (hái) - “but also”

Structure

• Subject + 不仅 + A + 还 + B

Meaning

• The phrase indicates that A is true and that there is an additional point B that enhances or specifies A.

Formation Diagram

| Subject   | 不仅 | A       | 还 | B        |
|-----------|------|---------|----|----------|
| Example:  | 我   | 不仅聪明|  还| 友好     |
| Translation:| I | am not only smart but also friendly. |

3. Comparative Analysis

• 不仅...而且... (bù jǐn... ér qiě...) is a similar structure which also means "not only... but also...", but "而且" (ér qiě) has a slightly more formal connotation than "还" (hái).
• Example:
  • 我不仅喜欢这部电影，而且还推荐给了朋友。
  • (Wǒ bùjǐn xǐhuān zhè bù diànyǐng, érqiě hái tuījiàn gěi le péngyǒu.)
  • Translation: I not only like this movie, but I also recommended it to my friend.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 他不仅是一位优秀的老师，还发表了很多学术论文。
   • (Tā bùjǐn shì yī wèi yōuxiù de lǎoshī, hái fābiǎo le hěn duō xuéshù lùnwén.)
   • Translation: He is not only an excellent teacher but has also published many academic papers.
2. Informal:
   • 这个餐厅不仅好吃，还很便宜。
   • (Zhège cāntīng bùjǐn hǎochī, hái hěn piányí.)
   • Translation: This restaurant is not only delicious but also very cheap.
3. Written:
   • 这本书不仅内容丰富，还能激发读者思考。
   • (Zhè běn shū bùjǐn nèiróng fēngfù, hái néng jīfā dúzhě sīkǎo.)
   • Translation: This book is not only rich in content but also stimulates the reader's thinking.
4. Spoken:
   • 她不仅会说中文，还能说英文。
   • (Tā bùjǐn huì shuō zhōngwén, hái néng shuō yīngwén.)
   • Translation: She not only speaks Chinese but can also speak English.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In China, expressing additional qualities or abilities can reflect humility or a desire to showcase modesty. The use of 不仅...还... may often appear in contexts where building relationships or showcasing capabilities is vital.

Idiomatic Expressions

Common phrases using 不仅...还... include:

• 不仅如此 (bù jǐn rú cǐ) - "not only that"
• 不仅在这里 (bù jǐn zài zhè lǐ) - "not only here"

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Misplacing "还" can lead to confusion. Ensure "还" directly follows the clause that it is enhancing.
• Sometimes learners may confuse 不仅 with 只 (zhǐ), which means “only”. Remember that 不仅 implies additional qualities.

Learning Strategies

• Try creating sentences using 不仅...还... with different subjects and verbs to reinforce the structure.
• Visualize the relationship between A and B to understand their connection better.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The structure 不仅...还... is used to emphasize that something is not only true to a certain extent but also involves another additional aspect.
• Compare to 不仅...而且... for nuances in formality.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate the following:

   • "This student is not only diligent, but also very talented."

2. What does 不仅 (bù jǐn) mean in English?

3. Create a sentence using the structure 不仅...还... .

Feel free to reach out with any questions or further clarifications on this grammar point!