不但⋯⋯而且⋯⋯

bú dàn …… ér qiě ……

Expressing "not only… but also…" with "budan… erqie…"

不但…而且… adds a second, stronger point to the first.

不但 + Clause 1,而且 + Clause 2

How it works

他不但聪明,而且勤劳 — he's not only clever but hard-working too.

Both halves are needed. 还 or 也 often joins the second clause for extra weight: 而且还很便宜.

If the two clauses have different subjects, 不但 moves in front of the first subject.

Examples

  • tā bú dàn cōng ming, ér qiě qín láo

    他不但聪明,而且勤劳。

    He's not only clever, but hard-working too.

  • zhè jiā cān tīng bú dàn hǎo chī, ér qiě hěn pián yi

    这家餐厅不但好吃,而且很便宜。

    This restaurant is not only tasty but cheap.

  • bú dàn wǒ qù, ér qiě tā yě qù

    不但我去,而且他也去。

    Not only am I going, he's going too.