不但 bù dàn
“not only (... but also ...)”
conjunctionHSK 4 · 2021 list level 2
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
不但 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 538: 不但 búdàn — Level 3; official annotation 3 (连). PDF page 93
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 不但
不但 means "not only" and introduces the first part of an additive pair, usually followed by 而且、还 or 也 in the second clause. When both clauses share a subject, a common pattern is subject + 不但 + first point + 而且 + second point. With different subjects, 不但 commonly comes before the first subject.
例句Example sentences
- 这家饭馆不但便宜，而且很好吃。zhè jiā fàn guǎn bú dàn pián yi, ér qiě hěn hǎo chī.This restaurant is not only cheap but also very good.
- 他不但会说英语，还会说法语。tā bú dàn huì shuō yīng yǔ, hái huì shuō fǎ yǔ.He can speak not only English but also French.
- 我们不但要学习，还要运动。wǒ men bú dàn yào xué xí, hái yào yùn dòng.We should not only study but also exercise.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗他不但聪明，但是很努力。
✓他不但聪明，而且很努力。
不但 pairs with additive words like 而且, 还, or 也, not with the contrastive 但是.