Japanese grammar
What does ～だけでなく mean? Japanese grammar N2
～だけでなく means not only… but also (adds more, neutral, broadly used).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 普通形 + だけでなく N + だけでなく な形 な + だけでなく |
| Romaji | dakedenaku |
| Meaning | not only… but also (adds more, neutral, broadly used) |
Forming it
| Noun | 勉強 + だけでなく |
|---|---|
| i-adjective | 安い + だけでなく |
How to use it
Adds another point in the same direction, neutral and flexible; the second clause can also be a request or volitional statement.
- 「～だけでなく」 expresses "not only A but also B," and is the most neutral and widely used pattern in this group. The second clause often has 「も／まで」.
- Different from 「ばかりか」: 「だけでなく」 is softer and its second clause CAN be a command, request, or volitional statement.
- Spoken language shortens it to 「だけじゃなく」.
Examples
この店は安いだけでなく、味もいい。
This restaurant is not only cheap but also tastes good.
彼は勉強だけでなく、スポーツも得意だ。
He is good not only at studying but also at sports.
Keep in mind
- Na-adjectives connect with 「な」; nouns connect directly.
- Distinguish from 「だけで」 ("just with/just by") — a completely different meaning.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong便利だけでなく、安い。
Not only is it convenient, it's also cheap.
Correct便利なだけでなく、安い。
A na-adjective connects with 「な」 before 「だけでなく」.
-
Wrong歌がうまいだけで、踊りもうまい。
Not only is she good at singing, she's good at dancing too.
Correct歌がうまいだけでなく、踊りもうまい。
"Not only… but also" is 「だけでなく」; 「だけで」 means "just with/just by," which is completely different.
Exam tips
- 「だけでなく」 = neutral, flexible; the second clause can also be a request/volitional statement (unlike 「ばかりか」).