〜ばかりでなく
not only ~ but also
Put the expectation and the surprising or different result together.
Remember it
Turn the sentence in a new direction with 〜ばかりでなく.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ばかりでなく」 means "not only ~ but also". Structure: Noun + ばかりでなく. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it to contrast facts, expectations, people, choices, or results.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1成功ばかりでなく、英語も必要です。
せいこう ばかり で なく、えいご も ひつよう です。
seikou bakari de naku, eigo mo hitsuyou desu.
Not only the success but English is also necessary.
Everyday life
Example 2安心ばかりでなく、英語も必要です。
あんしん ばかり で なく、えいご も ひつよう です。
anshin bakari de naku, eigo mo hitsuyou desu.
Not only the relief but English is also necessary.
Everyday life
Example 3原因ばかりでなく、英語も必要です。
げんいん ばかり で なく、えいご も ひつよう です。
gen'in bakari de naku, eigo mo hitsuyou desu.
Not only the cause but English is also necessary.
Everyday life
Example 4能力ばかりでなく、英語も必要です。
のうりょく ばかり で なく、えいご も ひつよう です。
nouryoku bakari de naku, eigo mo hitsuyou desu.
Not only the ability but English is also necessary.
Everyday life
Example 5態度ばかりでなく、英語も必要です。
たいど ばかり で なく、えいご も ひつよう です。
taido bakari de naku, eigo mo hitsuyou desu.
Not only the attitude but English is also necessary.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Not only the success but English is also necessary.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ばかりでなく.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.