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Readnihongo

Read Japanese, beautifully.

N3

Not Only... But Also: 〜だけでなく

About 10 minutes · written and reviewed by Haruki Yamamoto

Section 1 of 3

Core meaning

〜だけでなく means “not only A, but also B.” It adds information in a balanced, logical way. It works well in explanations, recommendations, and comparisons.

  1. Target signal

    このアプリは読む練習だけでなく、聞く練習もできる。

    This app lets you practice not only reading, but also listening.

    The second skill is added alongside the first one.

    Vocabulary notes
    だけでなく〜だけでなく
    not only ... but also ...
    だけでなく
    not only; not just
    アプリ
    app; application

  2. Compare in context

    彼は日本語だけでなく、中国語も話せる。

    He can speak not only Japanese, but also Chinese.

    だけでなく expands language ability beyond one item.

    Vocabulary notes
    だけでなく〜だけでなく
    not only ... but also ...
    だけでなく
    not only; not just
    だけで
    with only; just by

Section 2 of 3

Form and structure

You can attach 〜だけでなく to nouns, verbs, adjectives, and clauses. B is often followed by も, but も is not absolutely required if the sentence structure already makes the addition clear.

  1. Target signal

    この店は安いだけでなく、駅からも近い。

    This shop is not only inexpensive, but also close to the station.

    An evaluation is strengthened by a second advantage.

    Vocabulary notes
    だけでなく〜だけでなく
    not only ... but also ...
    だけでなく
    not only; not just
    だけで
    with only; just by

  2. Preview

    彼女は歌うだけでなく、曲も自分で作る。

    She not only sings, but also writes her own songs.

    The pattern adds another achievement by the same person.

    Vocabulary notes
    だけでなく〜だけでなく
    not only ... but also ...
    だけでなく
    not only; not just
    だけで
    with only; just by

Section 3 of 3

Reading notes

In longer passages, 〜だけでなく often signals expansion. The writer presents one point, then broadens the argument. It frequently appears in reviews, essays, and study explanations where multiple advantages or effects are being listed.

  1. Target signal

    運動は体力を高めるだけでなく、気分転換にもなる。

    Exercise not only improves physical strength, but also serves as a mental refresh.

    The second clause supports the first benefit.

    Vocabulary notes
    だけでなく〜だけでなく
    not only ... but also ...
    だけでなく
    not only; not just
    だけで
    with only; just by

  2. Preview

    この制度は学生だけでなく、社会人にも役立つ。

    This system is useful not only for students, but also for working adults.

    The target group is widened beyond students alone.

    Vocabulary notes
    だけでなく〜だけでなく
    not only ... but also ...
    だけでなく
    not only; not just
    だけで
    with only; just by

Reading in context

Read for meaning before checking the answer

Before you read

Read once for the situation. Then notice how 〜だけでなく changes the meaning before you check the translation.

このアプリは読む練習だけでなく、聞く練習もできる。 彼は日本語だけでなく、中国語も話せる。 この店は安いだけでなく、駅からも近い。 彼女は歌うだけでなく、曲も自分で作る。 運動は体力を高めるだけでなく、気分転換にもなる。 この制度は学生だけでなく、社会人にも役立つ。

Show English translation

This app lets you practice not only reading, but also listening. He can speak not only Japanese, but also Chinese. This shop is not only inexpensive, but also close to the station. She not only sings, but also writes her own songs. Exercise not only improves physical strength, but also serves as a mental refresh. This system is useful not only for students, but also for working adults.

Contextual questions

Answer from the passage before you reveal each explanation.

  1. What is the first reading job for this passage?

    • Identify the situation and how 〜だけでなく changes it.
    • Translate every word before using context.
    • Ignore the ending because only vocabulary matters.
    • Choose an answer before reading the full passage.
    Check the answer

    Identify the situation and how 〜だけでなく changes it.

    The goal is to use the situation first, then confirm the role of 〜だけでなく in context.

Guided practice

Apply the lesson in a few different ways

Work through each prompt, then check the explanation before moving on.

Activity 1 of 4Choose the best context

What does 〜だけでなく usually express?

Activity 2 of 4Fill the blank

Complete the chunk that carries the lesson meaning (〜だけでなく).

このアプリは読む練習＿＿＿、聞く練習もできる。

Activity 3 of 4Put it in order

Put these related examples back into the order used in the lesson.

  1. 1彼は日本語だけでなく、中国語も話せる。
  2. 2この店は安いだけでなく、駅からも近い。
  3. 3このアプリは読む練習だけでなく、聞く練習もできる。
Activity 4 of 4Infer from the passage

What should guide your interpretation of 〜だけでなく in the mini-reading?

Mastery check 1/3

What does 〜だけでなく usually express?