Learning Chinese can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to mastering grammar structures. One such structure that is frequently used in both spoken and written Chinese is “不仅…而且…” (bù jǐn… ér qiě…). This phrase translates to “not only… but also…” in English and is used to connect two clauses, emphasizing that both aspects are true and noteworthy. Understanding how to use “不仅…而且…” correctly can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of this structure, its usage, and provide plenty of examples to help you master it.
Breaking Down the Structure
The phrase “不仅…而且…” consists of two main parts:
1. **不仅** (bù jǐn) – This translates to “not only” in English.
2. **而且** (ér qiě) – This translates to “but also” in English.
The structure is used to link two statements, highlighting that both are true. Unlike in English, where the phrase “not only… but also…” can sometimes be cumbersome, the Chinese counterpart is more fluid and often used in daily conversation.
Basic Sentence Structure
The basic sentence structure for “不仅…而且…” is as follows:
**Subject + 不仅 + Verb/Adjective + 而且 + Verb/Adjective**
For example:
– 他不仅会说中文，而且会说法文。
– Tā bù jǐn huì shuō zhōng wén, ér qiě huì shuō fǎ wén.
– He can not only speak Chinese, but also French.
In this sentence, “他” (tā) is the subject, “不仅” (bù jǐn) introduces the first verb “会说” (huì shuō), meaning “can speak,” and “而且” (ér qiě) introduces the second verb “会说” (huì shuō), meaning “can speak” in the context of French.
Usage in Different Contexts
Connecting Verbs
When connecting two verbs, “不仅” comes before the first verb, and “而且” comes before the second verb. This structure emphasizes that the subject is capable of doing both actions.
Example:
– 她不仅喜欢唱歌，而且喜欢跳舞。
– Tā bù jǐn xǐ huān chàng gē, ér qiě xǐ huān tiào wǔ.
– She not only likes singing, but also likes dancing.
In this sentence, “她” (tā) is the subject, “不仅” (bù jǐn) introduces the first verb “喜欢” (xǐ huān), meaning “likes,” and “而且” (ér qiě) introduces the second verb “喜欢” (xǐ huān), meaning “likes” in the context of dancing.
Connecting Adjectives
When connecting two adjectives, “不仅” comes before the first adjective, and “而且” comes before the second adjective. This structure emphasizes that the subject possesses both qualities.
Example:
– 这个苹果不仅大，而且甜。
– Zhè gè píng guǒ bù jǐn dà, ér qiě tián.
– This apple is not only big, but also sweet.
In this sentence, “这个苹果” (zhè gè píng guǒ) is the subject, “不仅” (bù jǐn) introduces the first adjective “大” (dà), meaning “big,” and “而且” (ér qiě) introduces the second adjective “甜” (tián), meaning “sweet.”
Connecting Nouns
Although less common, “不仅…而且…” can also be used to connect nouns. In such cases, the structure emphasizes that the subject has both attributes or involves both elements.
Example:
– 他不仅是老师，而且是作家。
– Tā bù jǐn shì lǎo shī, ér qiě shì zuò jiā.
– He is not only a teacher, but also a writer.
In this sentence, “他” (tā) is the subject, “不仅” (bù jǐn) introduces the first noun “老师” (lǎo shī), meaning “teacher,” and “而且” (ér qiě) introduces the second noun “作家” (zuò jiā), meaning “writer.”
Advanced Usage
Emphasizing Additional Information
The “不仅…而且…” structure can also be used to provide additional information that adds weight to the initial statement.
Example:
– 我不仅认识他，而且和他是好朋友。
– Wǒ bù jǐn rèn shi tā, ér qiě hé tā shì hǎo péng yǒu.
– I not only know him, but also am good friends with him.
In this sentence, “我” (wǒ) is the subject, “不仅” (bù jǐn) introduces the first clause “认识他” (rèn shi tā), meaning “know him,” and “而且” (ér qiě) introduces the second clause “和他是好朋友” (hé tā shì hǎo péng yǒu), meaning “am good friends with him.”
Expressing Contrast
While the primary function of “不仅…而且…” is to show that two statements are true, it can also be used to highlight a contrast between the two statements.
Example:
– 他不仅聪明，而且很努力。
– Tā bù jǐn cōng míng, ér qiě hěn nǔ lì.
– He is not only smart, but also very hardworking.
In this sentence, “他” (tā) is the subject, “不仅” (bù jǐn) introduces the first adjective “聪明” (cōng míng), meaning “smart,” and “而且” (ér qiě) introduces the second adjective “很努力” (hěn nǔ lì), meaning “very hardworking.” Here, the structure emphasizes that the subject possesses both qualities, which are often seen as complementary yet distinct.
Combining with Other Structures
“不仅…而且…” can be combined with other grammatical structures for more complex sentences. For example, you can use it in conjunction with “因为…所以…” (yīn wèi… suǒ yǐ…) to provide reasons and outcomes.
Example:
– 因为他不仅会说中文，而且会说法文，所以他找工作很容易。
– Yīn wèi tā bù jǐn huì shuō zhōng wén, ér qiě huì shuō fǎ wén, suǒ yǐ tā zhǎo gōng zuò hěn róng yì.
– Because he can not only speak Chinese, but also French, finding a job is very easy for him.
In this sentence, “因为” (yīn wèi) introduces the reason, “他不仅会说中文，而且会说法文” (tā bù jǐn huì shuō zhōng wén, ér qiě huì shuō fǎ wén), meaning “he can not only speak Chinese, but also French,” and “所以” (suǒ yǐ) introduces the outcome “他找工作很容易” (tā zhǎo gōng zuò hěn róng yì), meaning “finding a job is very easy for him.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Misplacing the Structure
One common mistake is misplacing “不仅” and “而且” within the sentence. Always remember that “不仅” should precede the first verb/adjective, and “而且” should precede the second verb/adjective.
Incorrect:
– 他会说不仅中文，而且法文。
– Tā huì shuō bù jǐn zhōng wén, ér qiě fǎ wén.
– He can speak not only Chinese, but also French.
Correct:
– 他不仅会说中文，而且会说法文。
– Tā bù jǐn huì shuō zhōng wén, ér qiě huì shuō fǎ wén.
– He can not only speak Chinese, but also French.
Overusing the Structure
While “不仅…而且…” is a useful structure, overusing it can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Try to vary your sentence structures to keep your language natural and engaging.
Example:
– 他不仅喜欢吃苹果，而且喜欢吃香蕉。他不仅喜欢喝茶，而且喜欢喝咖啡。
– Tā bù jǐn xǐ huān chī píng guǒ, ér qiě xǐ huān chī xiāng jiāo. Tā bù jǐn xǐ huān hē chá, ér qiě xǐ huān hē kā fēi.
– He not only likes eating apples, but also likes eating bananas. He not only likes drinking tea, but also likes drinking coffee.
While grammatically correct, this passage feels repetitive. Try mixing in other structures for variety.
Contextual Misalignment
Ensure that the two clauses you are connecting with “不仅…而且…” are logically related. The structure is meant to emphasize that both statements are true and noteworthy, so the connected clauses should be relevant to each other.
Incorrect:
– 他不仅喜欢吃苹果，而且今天是星期五。
– Tā bù jǐn xǐ huān chī píng guǒ, ér qiě jīn tiān shì xīng qī wǔ.
– He not only likes eating apples, but also today is Friday.
Correct:
– 他不仅喜欢吃苹果，而且喜欢吃香蕉。
– Tā bù jǐn xǐ huān chī píng guǒ, ér qiě xǐ huān chī xiāng jiāo.
– He not only likes eating apples, but also likes eating bananas.
Practical Exercises
To truly master the “不仅…而且…” structure, practice is essential. Here are a few exercises to get you started:
Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of “不仅” and “而且.”
1. 他____会说中文，____会说日文。
2. 这个城市____大，____很美丽。
3. 她____是我的老师，____是我的朋友。
Answers:
1. 不仅, 而且
2. 不仅, 而且
3. 不仅, 而且
Exercise 2: Translation Practice
Translate the following sentences into Chinese using “不仅…而且…”
1. She not only plays the piano but also the violin.
2. This book is not only interesting but also educational.
3. He not only studies hard but also helps his classmates.
Answers:
1. 她不仅会弹钢琴，而且会拉小提琴。
2. 这本书不仅有趣，而且有教育意义。
3. 他不仅学习努力，而且帮助同学。
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Create three sentences of your own using the “不仅…而且…” structure. Try to use different verbs, adjectives, and nouns to diversify your practice.
Example:
1. 我不仅喜欢看电影，而且喜欢读书。
2. 这条裙子不仅漂亮，而且便宜。
3. 他不仅是医生，而且是教授。
Conclusion
Mastering the “不仅…而且…” structure is a significant step in achieving fluency in Chinese. This versatile phrase allows you to connect ideas fluidly, emphasizing that multiple statements are true and noteworthy. By understanding its usage, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you’ll find that your ability to communicate complex ideas in Chinese will improve dramatically. Happy learning!
