Kotomora
JLPT N4Construction
Furigana

だけでなくNot only A, but also B

だけでなく says that a statement does not stop with A and adds B: “not only A, but also B.” B can simply be another relevant fact; it does not have to be more surprising than A.

How the two parts fit together

Attach だけでなく to A, then state the added item or fact B. The two sides should be parallel enough to belong under one larger statement. The added B is often marked with , which makes the “also” relationship especially clear.

Nouns and clauses

このみせコーヒーだけでなくこうちゃもおいしい。

At this shop, not only the coffee but also the tea is good.

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かれ日本にほんはなすだけでなくかんこくめる。

He not only speaks Japanese but can also read Korean.

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When the added part has no explicit marker

is common but not compulsory. It can be omitted when the parallel structure already makes the addition unmistakable.

Adjectives

この部屋へやひろいだけでなくあかるい。

This room is not only spacious but also bright.

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The second adjective has no , but the balanced pair is still clear.

このまちしずかなだけでなくあんぜんだ。

This town is not only quiet but also safe.

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With a na-adjective, use なだけでなく.

Choosing among close alternatives

だけでなく is the broadly useful everyday choice. ばかりでなく is a somewhat more formal close equivalent, while のみならず is strongly associated with formal writing. Use ばかりか when B is presented as a stronger or more surprising extension; ordinary だけでなく does not require that escalation.

More examples

このアプリは便べんなだけでなく使つかかたかりやすい。

This app is not only convenient but also easy to use.

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あねりょうするだけでなく、パンもく。

My older sister not only cooks but also bakes bread.

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そのえいどもだけでなく大人おとなにもにんがある。

That movie is popular not only with children but also with adults.

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あににくべないだけでなくさかなべない。

My older brother eats neither meat nor fish.

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Literally: My older brother not only does not eat meat; he also does not eat fish.

このごとけいけんひつようなだけでなくかんもかかる。

This job requires not only experience but also time.

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かれぜんきょうだっただけでなくこうちょうつとめていた。

He was formerly not only a teacher but also a principal.

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