不但
bú dàn
Not only
不但不 (bù dàn bù) — not only not, but the opposite
Subject + 不但不 (búdàn bù) + Verb + 反而 (fǎn'ér) + Verb / Subject + 不但没有 (búdàn méiyǒu) + Verb + 反而 (fǎn'ér) + Verb
HSK 53.0
Pattern diagram
Who / what不但不不但没有Action，反而Action
Rule structure
The pattern "不但不 (bù dàn bù)/没 (méi)…，反而 (fǎn ér)…" shows that an expected action did not happen and the result was the opposite. After 不但 (bùdàn) a negative form is required, and the second clause uses 反而 (fǎn'ér).
Rule structure
The pattern "不但不 (bù dàn bù)/没 (méi)…，反而 (fǎn ér)…" shows that an expected action did not happen and the result was the opposite. After 不但 (bùdàn) a negative form is required, and the second clause uses 反而 (fǎn'ér).
Examples
他不但没生气，反而笑了。
Tā búdàn méi shēngqì, fǎn'ér xiào le.
He not only didn't get angry, but instead laughed.
Examples
他不但没生气，反而笑了。
Tā búdàn méi shēngqì, fǎn'ér xiào le.
He not only didn't get angry, but instead laughed.
Try this rule
Two short exercises: see how the rule works in a dialogue and in a sentence. No sign-up needed.
Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “not only not, but the opposite” in Chinese with 不但不?
Use the structure: Subject + 不但不 (búdàn bù) + Verb + 反而 (fǎn'ér) + Verb / Subject + 不但没有 (búdàn méiyǒu) + Verb + 反而 (fǎn'ér) + Verb. For example: 他不但没生气，反而笑了。 — “He not only didn't get angry, but instead laughed”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他不但没生气，反而笑了。 — “He not only didn't get angry, but instead laughed”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Level 5.
Tomyo
Learn Chinese grammar with smart reviews
Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.
More HSK 3.0 Level 5 grammar rules
以及 — as well as
Noun A + 以及 (yǐjí) + Noun B
总之 — in short
总之 (zǒngzhī) + Summary / Conclusion
不是 — not enough, also need
不是 (bú shì) + Action + 就可以了 (jiù kěyǐ le) / 就行了 (jiù xíng le)，还 (hái) / 还是 (háishi) + Further requirement
要不然 — otherwise
Condition, 要不然 (yàoburán) / 不然 (bùrán) + consequence
哪怕 — even if…
哪怕 (nǎpà)⋯⋯，也 (yě)⋯⋯
得不得了 — extremely, unbearably
Adj. + 得不得了 (de bùdéliǎo)
再…也 — no matter how
再 (zài) + Adj., 也 (yě) + Result
老是 — always (complaining)
Subj. + 老是 (lǎoshì) + Verb/Adj.