だけでなく | Grammar

Structure

[noun] + だけでなく
[verb (plain)] + だけでなく
[i-adj] + だけでなく
[na-adj] + な + だけでなく

Variants: だけでなく / だけではなく / だけじゃなく

The second clause typically includes も.

Description

The structure だけでなく means "not only… but also…" and is used to express that something is not limited to just one thing but extends to something else as well. The second clause typically includes も to emphasize the "also" part.

Basic usage

、。

He can speak not only English, but also French.

、。

You should not only read, but also practice writing.

The pattern highlights that the first item alone is not sufficient to describe the full picture – there is more to it.

With nouns

When connecting nouns, simply attach だけでなく after the noun.

、。

It's a movie that not only children but also adults can enjoy.

With verbs

Use the plain form of the verb before だけでなく.

、。

He not only cooked, but also cleaned up.

With adjectives

い-adjective: Attach だけでなく directly (e.g. やすい安い → 安いだけでなく)
な-adjective: Use な before だけでなく (e.g. べんり便利 → 便利なだけでなく)

、。

This shop is not only cheap, but also delicious.

、。

This room is not only quiet, but also spacious.

Formal variant: だけではなく

In more formal or polite contexts, だけではなく is used instead of だけでなく. The meaning is the same.

、。

Not only health, but money is also important.

ばかりでなく and のみならず carry a similar meaning. ばかりでなく is slightly more emphatic, and のみならず is a more literary or formal expression.

Examples

、。

She is good at not only singing, but also dancing.

、。

This book is popular not only with students, but also with teachers.

、。

I am studying not only Japanese, but also Chinese.

、。

Don't just watch – please try doing it yourself.

、。

He is not only smart, but also good at sports.

、。

This town is not only convenient, but also has a lot of nature.

、。

Please take care of not only your body, but also your mind.

、。

Not only did it rain, but the wind was also strong.

、。

Not only is the price high, but the service is also bad.

、。

He not only works, but also does volunteer activities.

、。

I want to go not only to Tokyo, but also to Osaka.

、。

You need to not only memorize kanji, but also understand how to use them.

References

だけでなくBunpro