だけでなく
Not only… but also
Structure
［い］Adjective + だけ + でなく(1)
［な］Adjective + な + だけ + でなく(1)
Noun + だけ + でなく(1)
(1) ではなく、じゃなく
Explanation
The grammar pattern だけでなく, which is a shortened form of だけではなく, means 'not only (A), but also (B)'. The second part, (B), is sometimes implied rather than stated explicitly. It can follow any word or phrase that だけ can attach to.
- 日本語が上手になるには文法を勉強するだけでなく、会話の練習もする必要がある。To get good at Japanese, it's necessary to not only study grammar, but also to practice conversation.
- このレストランは値段が安いだけでなく、味もとてもおいしい。This restaurant is not only cheap, but the food is also really delicious.
- このスマホは便利なだけでなく、デザインもおしゃれだ。This smartphone is not only convenient, but its design is stylish too.
- マリアさんは英語だけでなく、スペイン語とフランス語も話せる。Maria can speak not only English, but also Spanish and French.
Caution
The で in this structure comes from the conjunctive form of the auxiliary verb だ, not the particle で. In conversational Japanese, the は is often omitted, or the phrase may be shortened to じゃなく to make it easier to say.
- 北海道は冬だけじゃなく、夏も美しいらしい。I've heard that Hokkaido is beautiful not only in the winter, but in the summer as well.
Technically, the conjunction particle て can be added after なく, which is the conjunctive form of the い-Adjective ない. However, in this specific pattern, this て is usually left out.
- 彼は漢字を読めるだけでなくて、書くこともできる。Not only can he read kanji, but he can also write them.
Caution
In written Japanese, when there is no comma (a 読点 in Japanese) following なく, the complete なくて form must be used. If a comma is included, either form is acceptable.
- あの映画は面白いだけでなくて感動的でもあった。That movie was not only interesting, but also quite moving.
Examples
このパソコンは軽いだけでなく、速い。
This laptop is not only light, but also fast.
田中さんだけでなく、山田さんもパーティーに来る。
Not only Tanaka-san, but also Yamada-san is coming to the party.
彼は数学だけでなく、物理も得意だ。
He's not only good at math, but also physics.
京都だけでなく、奈良も旅行した。
I traveled not only to Kyoto, but to Nara as well.
この部屋は静かなだけでなく、清潔だ。
This room is not only quiet, but also clean.
妹はピアノを弾くだけでなく、歌も歌える。
My little sister can not only play the piano, but she can also sing.
彼は寝坊しただけでなく、電車に乗り遅れた。
He not only overslept, but also missed the train.
その俳優はハンサムなだけでなく、演技も上手だ。
That actor is not only handsome, but he's also a great actor.
最近、仕事が忙しいだけでなく、ストレスも溜まっている。
Lately, I've not only been busy with work, but stress has also been piling up.
このレストランはサービスが悪いだけでなく、料理もまずい。
This restaurant not only has bad service, but the food is terrible too.
このスープは美味しいだけでなく、体にもいい。
This soup is not only delicious, but it's also good for you.
彼女は英語が話せるだけでなく、フランス語も少しわかる。
She can not only speak English, but she also understands a little French.