Effects of Li- and La-doping on the structural, ferroelectric, and strain properties of Bi-1/2(Na0.82K0.18)(1/2)TiO3 (BNKT) ceramics were compared. In this study, Li+ was selected as the A-site acceptor and La3+ as the A-site donor. Li doping resulted in hardening of BNKT with an improved mechanical quality factor (Q(m)) of 253 and an increased coercive field (E-c), while La doping brought about a softening effect that was evidenced by an improved piezoelectric constant (d(33)) of 172 pC/N and decreased E-c. In addition, the large normalized bipolar strain (S-max/E-max) was obtained up to 650 pm/V in 3 mol% La-doped BNKT.