JLPT N1 Grammar
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Not only
Category: Addition and Exclusion
The grammar pattern "名詞／普通形（な形-である／名-である）＋のみならず" is a formal and literary way to express 'not only' in Japanese. It is often used in writing or formal speeches to add information that matches the existing context. This pattern emphasizes that something is not only true, but also extends beyond the initial statement. It is a more elaborate way of expressing addition and exclusion, and is commonly used in academic and professional settings.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun or plain form | 名詞／普通形（な形-である／名-である）＋のみならず | この不祥事は会社の信用を失うのみならず、業界全体に悪影響を及ぼした。 |
| Verb form name | 動詞／普通形（ない形-である／動-である）＋のみならず | 最近の猛暑は人間のみならず、動植物にも深刻な被害を与えている。 |
| Noun or plain form | 名詞／普通形（な形-である／名-である）＋のみならず | 学問は知識を得るのみならず、人格を形成するものでもある。 |
この不祥事は会社の信用を失うのみならず、業界全体に悪影響を及ぼした。
kono fushōji wa kaisha no shin'yō o ushinau moninara, gyōkai zenbetsu ni aku eikyō o okosu.
This scandal not only lost the company's trust, but also had a negative impact on the entire industry.
この不祥事は (this scandal is) 会社の信用を失う (lost the company's trust) のみならず (not only) 業界全体に悪影響を及ぼした (had a negative impact on the entire industry)
最近の猛暑は人間のみならず、動植物にも深刻な被害を与えている。
saikin no mōshū wa ningen moninara, dōbutsu ni mo shinkoku na higai o ataeru.
The recent heatwave not only affects humans, but also causes severe damage to animals and plants.
最近の猛暑は (the recent heatwave is) 人間のみならず (not only humans) 動植物にも (also to animals and plants) 深刻な被害を与えている (causes severe damage)
学問は知識を得るのみならず、人格を形成するものでもある。
gakumon wa chishiki o eru moninara, nigeki o kessei suru mono demo aru.
Learning not only gains knowledge, but also forms one's personality.
学問は (learning is) 知識を得る (gains knowledge) のみならず (not only) 人格を形成するものでもある (also forms one's personality)
This pattern is used in formal and literary writing to express addition and exclusion. It is often used in academic and professional settings to convey a sense of emphasis and nuance. It can be compared to the pattern ～だけでなく, which has a similar meaning but is used in more casual contexts.
This pattern is too formal for casual conversation and may sound awkward or pretentious.
The correct formation of this pattern requires using 'de aru' or plain form, not 'na' or 'noun'.
～だけでなく and ～のみならず have similar meanings, but are used in different contexts and registers.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, pay attention to the context and register. Make sure to use the correct formation and avoid confusing it with similar patterns.
この不祥事は会社の信用を失う______、業界全体に悪影響を及ぼした。
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.