nemcsak

Nemcsak is a Hungarian conjunction meaning “not only” or “not merely.” It is used to add emphasis by presenting an additional element to a statement, typically in a correlative construction with the word hanem, meaning “but also.” For example: Nemcsak finom, hanem egészséges is ez a leves. (Not only is this soup tasty, but it is also healthy.) Another common pattern is Nemcsak X, hanem Y, where X and Y are parallel elements in the same sentence.

Orthography and syntax: In modern Hungarian the standard spelling is nemcsak as a single word. Some older texts occasionally show the two-word form nem csak, but nemcsak is widely preferred today. The phrase can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, but it always introduces an additional element that complements the first clause. The verb and other grammatical elements typically agree with the same subject or tense as in the first clause, maintaining parallel structure: Nemcsak tanul, hanem dolgozik is.

Usage notes: Nemcsak is common in formal and informal prose, journalism, and speeches due to its concise way of signaling broadening or strengthening a claim. It is closely related to the synonym nem csupán, which has a similar meaning but can carry a slightly more literary or formal tone. Both forms are used to emphasize that more is true than initially stated.

Etymology: The word combines nem (not) with csak (only), creating a negated emphasis that signals addition. It is a staple in Hungarian rhetoric and everyday speech and can appear in various registers without changing its core meaning.