岂止…
far more than just A
Structure
岂止（是） A ， （简直／还） B
What it means
Far more than just A: 岂止 asks “how could it be only A?”, then goes further.
How it is built
岂止（是）+ A，（简直／还）+ B: 他岂止是聪明，简直是个天才 (He is far more than clever; he is a genius).
When to use it
Rhetorical and emphatic, in writing and lively speech; the plain version is 不只是…，还…. 岂 is a classical “how could …?”: 岂不 (would that not be), 岂敢 (I would not dare: you flatter me), 岂有此理 (outrageous!).
Watch out
B must go further than A: ✗ 他岂止是天才，简直很聪明 ✓ 他岂止是聪明，简直是个天才. 岂止 is already rhetorical, so no 吗.
Examples
岂止是语言，这四部书还影响了中国人对爱情的理解。
Not only the language: these four books also shaped how Chinese people understand love.
他岂止是聪明，简直是个天才。
He is far more than clever; he is a genius.
Learn this in Lesson 209 · HSK 9+: 四大名著 (The four great novels)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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