再

• Pinyin: zài
• Hanzi breakdown: 再 = a character depicting repetition; the horizontal strokes suggest doing something once more

Meaning

Again; once more. Indicates that an action will happen again in the future.

An important adverb that expresses future repetition or continuation. Placed before the verb. Different from 又, which refers to past repetition. Also used to mean 'then' in sequential actions (先…再…). Very common in polite expressions like 再见.

Examples

1. 请再说一次。 Please say it again.
2. 我们明天再去吧。 Let's go again tomorrow.
3. 你再想一想。 Think about it a bit more.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, requests

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请再来一杯水。(Please bring another glass of water.)
• 我要再看一次。(I want to watch it once more.)

Don't Say

• 我昨天再去了商店。(Wrong — 再 is for future actions. For past repetition, use 又: 我昨天又去了商店)

Origin & History

Originally composed of a component meaning 'carry' placed atop a surface — suggesting doing something one more time. The sense of repetition developed early in Classical Chinese.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal