What is the difference between

不仅与不仅仅均为递进关联词，核心区别在于语气、用法和功能：
语气强度：不仅语气平和，通用无强调；不仅仅语气更强，突出 “超出预期”。
使用场景：不仅书面、口语通用；不仅仅更偏向口语，带感情色彩。
语法功能：不仅仅作连词，需搭配 “而且 / 还” 连接分句；不仅仅可作连词，也可单独修饰名词 / 动词短语。

不仅 is "Not only", 不仅仅 is "Not just / not merely"
不仅 is very common, standard in both spoken and written Chinese while 不仅仅 is more emphatic, often used to stress that something is far more than people think. Sounds a bit more formal or expressive.

The words "不仅" and "不仅仅" both function as conjunctions meaning "not only" and are used to introduce the first clause of a progressive compound sentence (where the second clause adds further information, often with words like "也/还/而且"). Their core meaning and grammatical usage are essentially the same.

The key difference lies in emphasis: "不仅仅" is an intensified form of "不仅," carrying a stronger tone to emphasize that something extends beyond what is initially stated.


1️⃣Basic Meaning and Function

Both "不仅" and "不仅仅" are used in the first clause of a sentence to indicate "not only." The second clause typically includes words like "也," "还," or "而且" to express "but also" or "furthermore."

Example with "不仅":
他不仅足球踢得好，性格也不错。
(He not only plays soccer well, but also has a good personality.)

Example with "不仅仅":
他不仅仅足球踢得好，性格也不错。
(He not only plays soccer well, but also has a good personality.)

Structurally, they follow the same rules: when the two clauses share the same subject, "不仅/不仅仅" is placed after the subject; when subjects differ, it is placed before the first subject.

2️⃣Difference in Emphasis

"仅仅" means "merely," "only," or "just." Adding "仅仅" to "不仅" forms "不仅仅," which literally emphasizes "not merely" or "not just."

"不仅仅" stresses that the situation goes beyond the basic statement, adding a stronger rhetorical effect. It highlights that there is more to the matter than what is superficially acknowledged.

In practice, "不仅仅" is often used in contexts where the speaker wants to underscore that the first point is not the only or most important aspect, thereby making the progression to the second clause more impactful.

3️⃣Interchangeability and Nuance

"不仅仅" can be seen as a variant of "不仅" with no change in meaning or usage (e.g., in Conquer HSK Chinese Grammar.pdf).

However, due to its emphatic nature, "不仅仅" may be preferred in written or formal contexts to convey a more nuanced or forceful tone. "不仅" is more neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese.

🟢Conclusion:

While "不仅" and "不仅仅" are grammatically equivalent and can often be used interchangeably, "不仅仅" adds extra emphasis, reinforcing that the first clause is not limited to the stated aspect. Choose "不仅仅" when you want to stress that there is more to the situation than meets the eye.