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HSK 2.0 Level 5+ HSK 3.0 Level 5+ 5 min read

不是...，还/还是... for “Not Just …, But Also …”

不是……，还…… says the first idea is too little and adds more: 他不是一个人来的，还带了两个朋友.

Pattern

不是 + (only / just one) A，还 + verb B ｜ 不是 + A，还是 + noun B

In this pattern 不是 rejects a statement that says too little, and 还 or 还是 adds something more: “it’s not just A; there is also B.” 还 goes before a verb (还带了两个朋友), and 还是 before a noun meaning “is also” (还是一位作家).

他不是一个人来的，还带了两个朋友。

When to use 不是...，还/还是... for “Not Just …, But Also …”

The first clause uses 不是 to reject a smaller or narrower idea, often with 只, 一个 or 一般: 不是一个人来的, 不是只会说英语. The second clause adds more with 还 + verb: 还带了两个朋友, 还会说一点儿法语. To add another identity, use 还是 + noun: 她不是一般的老师，还是一位有名的作家.

我不是只会说英语，还会说一点儿法语。

It’s not that I can only speak English; I can speak a little French too.

她不是一般的老师，还是一位有名的作家。

She isn’t just an ordinary teacher; she’s also a well-known writer.

这不是你一个人的事，还关系到全班同学。

This isn’t just your own business; it also affects the whole class.

他不是只想着自己，还常常帮助别人。

He doesn’t think only of himself; he often helps others too.

Common traps

  • Don’t confuse it with 不是……而是……: 而是 replaces A, while 还 adds to A.
  • Use 还 before a verb (还会说法语) and 还是 before a noun (还是一位作家).
  • The first clause usually shows A is too small, often with 只, 一个 or 一般.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

我不是只会说英语， 会说一点儿法语

It’s not that I can only speak English; I can speak a little French too
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