Characters in This Word
Definitions
- not only (... but also...)
Example Sentences
他不但聪明，而且努力。
Tā bùdàn cōngming, érqiě nǔlì
He is not only smart but also hardworking
Related Words
一口吃不成胖子(yī kǒu chī bù chéng pàng zi)· lit. you cannot get fat with only one mouthful (proverb)
→一口吃个胖子(yī kǒu chī ge pàng zi)· lit. to want to get fat with only one mouthful (proverb)
→一枝独秀(yī zhī dú xiù)· lit. only one branch of the tree is thriving (idiom)
→一胎化(yī tāi huà)· practice of allowing only one child per family
→Grammar Notes
HSK levels
- New HSK exam
- HSK 3
- HSK 2.0
- HSK 4
- HSK Lord study list
- HSK 2 list
不但: HSK 4 on the old exam, HSK 3 on the new one. See where your old level lands
New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.
On the new HSK 3 exam
Studying for HSK 3? Keep 不但 with the rest of your level.
HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each word comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.