# のみならず: not only; as well as

> Learn how to use のみならず, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not only; as well as, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-nominarazu/

**のみならず** means **not only; as well as**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **add another stronger or wider point in formal writing**.

This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **のみならず** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis.

## What does のみならず mean?

Use **のみならず** when you want to **add another stronger or wider point in formal writing**.

Natural translations include:
- not only; as well as
- depending on context
- in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis

The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas.

## How to form のみならず

Noun / Plain form + のみならず

Examples of the pattern:
- 彼は日本語のみならず
- この問題は学生のみならず
- 商品は安いのみならず

In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form.

## When is のみならず used?

Use **のみならず** in situations like:
- reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays
- making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would
- connecting two ideas with a clear nuance

Tone and register:
- usually neutral to formal
- common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing

## のみならず example sentences

- 彼は日本語のみならず、中国語も話せる。 — He can speak not only Japanese but also Chinese.
- この問題は学生のみならず、社会全体に関係している。 — This issue concerns not only students but society as a whole.
- 商品は安いのみならず、品質も高い。 — The product is not only cheap but also high quality.
- 彼女は研究者としてのみならず、教育者としても尊敬されている。 — She is respected not only as a researcher but also as an educator.
- 環境保護は今のみならず、未来のためにも重要だ。 — Environmental protection is important not only for now but also for the future.

After reading each sentence, ask what job **のみならず** is doing. Is it limiting, adding, conceding, asserting, or describing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation.

## Nuance of のみならず

The key nuance is **add another stronger or wider point in formal writing**.

This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship.

For example:
- In formal writing, **のみならず** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
- Compared with **だけでなく**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.

## のみならず vs だけでなく

Both **のみならず** and **だけでなく** can express related ideas, but they are different.

**のみならず**:
- fits the N2 nuance explained above
- often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic

**だけでなく**:
- is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
- may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence

Quick contrast examples:
- 彼は日本語のみならず、中国語も話せる。
- Try rewriting the sentence with **だけでなく** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

## Common mistakes with のみならず

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
- Confusing it with **だけでなく** just because the English translation overlaps
- Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **のみならず**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

## Is のみならず on the JLPT?

Yes. **のみならず** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone.

## Practice questions for のみならず

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence that clearly needs **のみならず**.
- Write a second sentence with **だけでなく** and compare the nuance.
- Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.

## Learning path for のみならず

To learn **のみならず** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function.

1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
2. Then compare **のみならず** with **だけでなく** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **のみならず** necessary.

## Related grammar to review next

- [に限らず](/blog/n2-ni-kagirazu/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [に加えて](/blog/n2-ni-kuwaete/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [n3 dake de naku](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register

## Learn のみならず with Hane

If you want to review **のみならず** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)