Easy Korean - Level 9, Unit 23: Not only that, but also... (-거니와)

When you are listing facts and you want to say "Not only is A true, but B is also true," you can use the formal expression -거니와.

It is very similar to -(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라 (which we learned in Unit 1).

Structure Breakdown

• -거니와 = as well as / not only that, but also...

How to Conjugate

Just attach -거니와 directly to the verb or adjective stem. There are no irregular rules!

• 싸다 -> 싸거니와 (Not only is it cheap, but...)
• 맛있다 -> 맛있거니와 (Not only is it delicious, but...)
• 멀다 -> 멀거니와 (Not only is it far, but...)
• 좋다 -> 좋거니와 (Not only is it good, but...)

Past Tense: Attach to the past stem. * 가다 -> 갔 -> 갔거니와 (Not only did they go, but...)

Nouns: Noun + (이)거니와 * 학생 -> 학생이거니와 (Not only is he a student, but...) * 부자 -> 부자거니와 (Not only are they rich, but...)

-(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라 vs. -거니와

• They mean basically the same thing and can often be swapped.
• -거니와 is slightly more formal, literary, or old-fashioned. You'll hear it in speeches, news, or from older speakers emphasizing a point.

Example Sentences

1. 이 집은 가격이 싸거니와 교통도 편리합니다. (This house is not only cheap, but the transportation is also convenient.)

2. 얼굴이 예쁘거니와 마음씨도 착해요. (She not only has a pretty face, but she also has a kind heart.)

3. 비가 오거니와 바람도 많이 불어서 나갈 수 없어요. (It is not only raining but also very windy, so we can't go out.)

4. 그는 저의 친구이거니와 훌륭한 파트너입니다. (He is not only my friend but also an excellent partner.)