Conjunctions / 连词
不但 vs 不仅/不光
not only — three ways to say it, slight differences
Comparison / 对比
| 不但 búdàn | 不仅/不光 bùjǐn/bùguāng | |
|---|---|---|
| Register | Standard / written | 不仅: formal; 不光: spoken |
| Pair with | 而且 / 还 | 而且 / 还 / 也 |
| Same subject | 不但 after subject: 他不但…而且… | Same rule applies |
| Diff subjects | 不但 before subject: 不但他…而且她也… | Same rule applies |
Examples / 例句
不但: 她不但会说中文，而且会写书法。
She not only speaks Chinese but also writes calligraphy. (standard)
不仅/不光: 他不仅是我的老师，还是我的朋友。
He is not only my teacher but also my friend. (slightly more formal)
Quick rule: All three mean 'not only' and are usually interchangeable. Key rule: when two clauses have the SAME subject, put 不但/不仅/不光 AFTER the subject. When subjects DIFFER, put it BEFORE the first subject.
Fill in the Blank / 填空练习
Type the correct word to complete each sentence. Press Enter or click Check.
他会说英语，而且会说法语。
他通过了考试，小李也通过了。
这家店东西质量好，价格也不贵。
Quick Quiz / 小测验
小王通过了考试，小李也通过了。（两个主语不同）
Different subjects → 不但 before the first subject. (不仅 also works but 不但 is most standard for exams.)
这家餐厅菜好吃，服务也很好。
Written/formal context → 不仅 fits well. (不光 sounds too casual for written text.)
他会开车，___会修车。
Same subject, standard usage → 不但…而且/还… All three work here.